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Humble Beginnings

    John Burke started as an operator in October 1966 when he purchased route 87 Eastwood - West Ryde from Griffiths. This was a one bus run and John drove the bus. In April 1972 he expanded with the purchase of route 163 Epping - North Epping from Carl Tattam. Over time a successful and respected charter and tour operation, Commodore Coaches was developed. Commodore Coaches operated long distance extended tours as well as day and local charters. John Burke sold the runs and all vehicle to Cumberland (Todds) effective 4/8/77. By that time there were 8 vehicles (3 Ford R226/CCMC buses, 1 Bedford YRQ/ CC coach, 1 Bedford YRQ / PMC coach, the Leyland Mastiff PMC coach a Leyland Tiger Cub rebody /CC semi coach and a Bedford SB5 / CVI). Cumberland immediately ceased the long distance tours and concentrated on day tours, several of the coaches were sold almost immediately. John Burke then retired from the bus industry, he purchased and ran the Bellinger Valley Motel at Bellingen near Coffs Harbour. Unfortunately he passed away suddenly in May 1982

Into the Millennium 2006 -  2009

November 2009 saw a new direction for Commodore Coaches after being purchased by Jeff and Sharon Chalker of Chalker Pty Ltd. With 15 years experience in logistics and transport and bus driving in the bloodlines, the company was re equipped, trained and resources to see our Coach Company into the new millennium. (Picture shows Jeff Age 12 with bus) Commodore Coaches will remain in its current format and continue with the companies proud history and heritage.

Our vision is simple - A new direction in coach travel, representing the new start. Business is as usual and we have been continuing our relationship with Scania by investing heavily in updating our fleet. On behalf of Jeff and Sharon Chalker we would like to welcome you aboard our Coachlines and we hope you enjoy your Journey. At Commodore Coaches we are always looking for new innovations in business and equipment, together with  exciting tours journeys and destinations. We wont rest on our laurels as we strive to improve both our Products and Services to stay at the forefront of our business

Reborn

    Commodore Coaches was then re-launched by Mike Bedford a well-known in the radio industry. With the Depot moved to Waters Rd in Werrington ( St Marys ). Mike promoted Commodore Coaches through the radio station. As the business grew, so did Commodore Coaches staff employing 4 permanent staff in the office to run the company which included a licensed travel agent for School excursions known as "Commodore Educational Tours." Mike purchased two 1989 Scania PMC Apollo High Deck Coaches ex Sunliner Express which were fantastic assets especially for School Children. These two vehicles are still in Commodore Coaches fleet today because of their superior design, excellent fuel economy, large coach seating capacity and all round reliability. Fifty-five-year-old Mike had been fighting a long battle with cancer. In 2005, Mike sold Commodore Coaches and the Radio station. He died in Mt Druitt Hospital with his family by his side and is survived by his wife Dorothy, son Adam, daughter Tanya and granddaughter Paige. Mike's legacy lives on and he was inducted into the Country Music Broadcasters' Hall of Fame in January 2003.

Our family of staff at your service

Our management and staff will take time to cater for your needs, to listen and assist you with your enquiries whilst being passionate and enthusiastic in everything we do with you. Uphold our values and keep our staff happy and motivated, and in return you will see this in the way our crew conduct themselves and the respect they show you. Training plays a vital role in our development to confidently provide the best possible service to you and lead by example by empowering our team to professionally make decisions and encouraging and nurture our new staff

In trusted hands

Frank Reynolds, previous owner Silverline Coaches Ingleburn was a close friend of Mike Bedford and on the tragic passing, Mike had asked Frank to come out of retirement and take care of Commodore Coaches. Adding another Scania  to the fleet, Frank together with his wife Narelle have been running Commodore Coaches since that day in a caretaker role from Lake Tabourie on the NSW South Coast. In 2006 Commodore Coaches celebrated it's 40th birthday  - truly a testament to the Company and its people. Franks role as caretaker ended in November 2009 when Commodore Coaches was advertised for sale in the ABC Magazine. The business was sold and ends a milestone for Frank and allowing him and Narelle to run Reynolds Coach Tours in Lake Tabourie. We wish them both Luck

Employment

 We pride ourselves on employing energetic, passionate, honest and trustworthy people.  From time to time we have employment opportunities to joining our growing company. No Bus driving experience is necessary but the successful applicants must attend a training program, which includes license upgrade and Driver Authority training. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Have held a full Australian Car license or a Light, Medium or Heavy Rigid Vehicle License for 12 months or longer. Have an excellent driving record. Be able to pass a Medical, Police check and Working with Children check. If you have what it takes, come join our team.