about us
History of Whitmore Group
1954
The Whitmore Group began with humble beginnings under the guise of 'Whitmores Bus Lines'. Reg and Hazel Whitmore purchased the Leaghur bus contract in Boort, Victoria, from Harry Frampton in 1964. This was followed by the purchase of a second school bus contract to Whychitella from Bert Rodgers three years later. In the successive years, the company was then to undertake gradual expansion with diversion into charter and touring. Later, the Quambatook run was purchased from Willis Nunn. In 2000, Whitmores Bus Lines was the first Northern Victorian operator to introduce both air conditioning and seat-belts, many years before any mandatory legislation was introduced. Tragically, in April 2002, Reg passed away suddenly. The business was carried on by Hazel and youngest son, Jamie, and it is still owned and operated by them both today.
2008
Manley's Of Serpentine
In 2008, Manley's of Serpentine was purchased, meaning for the first time, the Whitmore family was operating vehicles from a second depot outside of Boort. The expansion brought the company into unchartered territory, and was a steep but enjoyable learning curve. Over the two years to follow, the Manley's operation was to undergo a full rebrand to a new entity 'Loddon Transit'. In addition, a rapid fleet replacement program was implemented, with the arrival of new seat belt equipped coaches, and a new depot was constructed. This enabled a 'rebirth' of the company, into what it is today.
2013
Strathfieldsaye Transit
In 2013, Strathfieldsaye Transit was purchased, signalling the entry into urban route bus operations for the Whitmore family, in addition to the creation of a third depot in Bendigo. It was at this stage that the 'Whitmore Bus Group' was formed as an umbrella organisation to oversee our diverse and steadily growing portfolio.
2017
Castlemaine Bus Lines
In 2017 the Whitmore Bus Group undertook its largest acquisition to date with the purchase of Castlemaine Bus Lines. The expanded fleet growth provides the company with endless opportunities, and the Whitmore Group would like to thank the Hansford family for this opportunity, and for their years of premier, first-class service to the Greater Castlemaine community. The Whitmore Bus Group looks forwards to a prosperous future, working with the communities in which we operate, to provide further premier, twenty-first century transport options.
2019
Maryborough Transit
Maryborough Transit was purchased in 2019, a move with further strengthened our presence across the Central Victoria region. The business included a mix of school and urban town service operations.
meet the team
Following our guiding principle of genuine client focus, we assist our clients with their executive search needs worldwide.
Reg Whitmore
director
Reg grew up in Boort, where he gained his qualification as a motor mechanic. He met Hazel at a barn dance in Durham Ox in 1951, before joining the air force, during which time he was stationed at Woomera rocket range, around the time the British rocket program was at its peak.
Upon his return to Boort in 1954, Reg started his own motor garage in Boort (Boort Motors), in the same building in which he had undertaken his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic, under the guidance of the previous owner, Ralph Stratton.
Reg and Hazel Married in 1956. Over the successive years, Reg built up a successful business with core farmers around the area, even dabbling in the manufacturing of lazer graders and field bins - A credit to his hard work.In 1964 Harry Frampton approached Reg and Hazel with the offer to purchase his Leaghur school bus contract. With the financial help and support of a local farmer (the banks back then wouldn’t help with finance) who Reg had built up a solid rapport with through his work as a mechanic, Reg and Hazel purchased the run. Before long, in 1970 they purchased the Whychitella school bus contract, from Bert Rodgers.
This was later followed by the purchase of Willis Nunn’s Quambatook school bus contract.Over the next two decades, Reg and Hazel built up a strong bus business. With the addition of four more charter vehicles, Reg wound down the garage to focus on heavy vehicles and the bus business, laying the foundations for what is today, Northern Victoria's largest family owned company.
Tragically Reg passed away in 2002. His legacy is however very much alive and well in the company today.
Upon his return to Boort in 1954, Reg started his own motor garage in Boort (Boort Motors), in the same building in which he had undertaken his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic, under the guidance of the previous owner, Ralph Stratton.
Reg and Hazel Married in 1956. Over the successive years, Reg built up a successful business with core farmers around the area, even dabbling in the manufacturing of lazer graders and field bins - A credit to his hard work.In 1964 Harry Frampton approached Reg and Hazel with the offer to purchase his Leaghur school bus contract. With the financial help and support of a local farmer (the banks back then wouldn’t help with finance) who Reg had built up a solid rapport with through his work as a mechanic, Reg and Hazel purchased the run. Before long, in 1970 they purchased the Whychitella school bus contract, from Bert Rodgers.
This was later followed by the purchase of Willis Nunn’s Quambatook school bus contract.Over the next two decades, Reg and Hazel built up a strong bus business. With the addition of four more charter vehicles, Reg wound down the garage to focus on heavy vehicles and the bus business, laying the foundations for what is today, Northern Victoria's largest family owned company.
Tragically Reg passed away in 2002. His legacy is however very much alive and well in the company today.
Hazel Whitmore
director
Hazel was born in Durham Ox to a family of 7 where she spent her childhood on the family farm. In 1956 she married Reg Whitmore and moved to Boort. In 1964 together, they purchased the Leaghur school bus run, with Hazel driving full time for over 30 years, before retiring in 2008. Over the years, Hazel successfully managed the financial and administration of the company, fundamentally shaping the way it is today. Hazel has been an influential role model, particularly through her pioneering achievements for women in the bus industry.
Jamie Whitmore
managing director
Jamie started in the company around 1998, and gradually assumed responsibility for the company, in the years following Reg's tragic passing. Since taking the reigns, Jamie has grown the company from just 3 vehicles in Boort to what is now over 40 vehicles, operating across Northern Victoria. Under his influence, the Whitmore Bus Group has become one of Victoria's leading, most innovative bus companies, with a focus on sustainable transport solutions.
Our Team
whitmore bus group operations
The operations team at Whitmore Bus Group ensures smooth and efficient transport services across Central and Northern Victoria, coordinating routes, scheduling, and customer support. The workshop team maintains the fleet to the highest safety standards, performing regular inspections and repairs to keep all buses in top condition. The driving team, known for their professionalism and commitment, is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable journey, with extensive knowledge of local routes and high-quality service on every trip.
our fleet
Over the years, our fleet has grown and evolved significantly to adapt to the ever-evolving requirements of our clients, and to meet our goal to maintain a presentable, reliable and modern fleet of vehicles.
Over the years we have introduced a number of innovations to the region, including;
• The first Northern Victoria operator to introduce seat belts, and individual cloth seats, and air conditioning as standard to our school buses.
• The first Northern Victoria operator to introduce new Euro 6 technology to the region in 2017.
48-57 Seat 5 Star Luxury Coaches
Low Floor, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
13 seat self-drive minibus
.webp)
21-25 seat minibus
4 seat luxury hire cars
35 seat luxury midi-coaches
careers / jobs
Join the Whitmore Group team and explore exciting career opportunities with our bus and charter company in Victoria, Australia! We’re looking for passionate individuals to fill diverse roles, whether you’re a skilled driver, a friendly customer service representative, or vital support staff.
At Whitmore Group, we offer competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. Help us connect communities and enhance travel experiences for everyone. Take the next step toward a fulfilling career by checking out our current job openings today!
At Whitmore Group, we offer competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. Help us connect communities and enhance travel experiences for everyone. Take the next step toward a fulfilling career by checking out our current job openings today!
innovation
Whether you’re entry-level or highly experienced, we encourage sharing of best practices and new ideas to steer us in the right direction.culture
culture
We continue to expand and provide quality transportation services to the Northern Victorian region.
people
People drive our success. That’s why we invest so much into our people. Our diversity of talent creates a perspective that sets us apart others.
growth
We have grown 10 times the size over the last 20 years, because of our culture, credibility and belief in our staff.
Are We Hiring?
We will periodically advertise job listings on our site when they become available. If we do not currently have any jobs available we still recommend getting in contact with us with your contact info and resume which we can hold onto for future reference.
the company
Whitmore's has been proudly serving Central and Northern Victoria since 1954. With five strategically located depots and a fleet of 50 buses, reliable transportation for the community is ensured. A dedicated team of 60 employees is committed to providing exceptional service and safe travel experiences.
Specialising in quality and professional bus services and charter options for schools, businesses, and special events, the company emphasises customer satisfaction and community connections. With nearly seven decades of experience, trust us for all your transport needs. Explore our services and join the journey!
Specialising in quality and professional bus services and charter options for schools, businesses, and special events, the company emphasises customer satisfaction and community connections. With nearly seven decades of experience, trust us for all your transport needs. Explore our services and join the journey!
Providing high quality transport experience
Our customers are our priority. We use state of the art computer technology and all of our vehicles are equipped with satellite tracking for security and real time information.
Make your trip as easy as it should be
At the Whitmore Bus Group, we believe that the transportation of your group should be as flexible and as trouble free as possible. We offer a total commitment to your individual needs, with an unrivalled service.
A wide variety of transport solutions
We can provide a flexibility of vehicle choice in order to offer our customers more economical options. Specialising in local transport options for schools, business and special events, from local transfers to interstate tours.
