Dions Bus Launch

Tuesday, August 17, 2025, Sydney Bus Museum proudly introduces a rare and iconic double decker into its collection. On 17 August 2024, the Sydney Bus Museum welcomed an extraordinary new addition to its fleet: Leyland OPD2 double-decker number 6057. The event marked the formal launch of the beautifully restored 1948 bus, originally operated by the Dion family of Wollongong, and was celebrated in the presence of both the public and distinguished guests.

Daniela Fontana, Director of the Sydney Bus Museum and Managing Director of Transit Systems, served as master of ceremonies, leading a heartfelt tribute to the decades-long dedication of Brian Mantle. Mantle, a skilled restorer and former apprentice at the Leichhardt Government bus workshops in the 1950s, painstakingly restored 6057 over 40 years. His efforts saved the bus from likely scrapping and ensured its preservation as a critical piece of New South Wales’ transport history. “The bus belongs here,” Mantle said of its handover to the Museum earlier this year.

The Museum was honoured by the presence of several notable guests, including the Hon. Jo Haylen MP, NSW Transport Minister; Howard Collins OBE, Coordinator General of Transport for NSW; Alex Claassens, RTBU National Secretary; and Matt Threlkeld, Executive Director of BusNSW. Also in attendance were members of the Dion family and many generous donors whose contributions made the acquisition possible.

Originally built in 1948 by Commonwealth Engineering in Granville, 6057 served its entire operational life on the route between Wollongong and Austinmer, under the stewardship of the Dion Brothers of Fairy Meadow. As one of just 21 privately built double deckers in NSW during that era, with the majority commissioned by government, this bus represents a rare and significant piece of transport heritage. “Now over 75 years old, this historic bus fills an important gap in the Museum’s collection — the sole bus from the Wollongong region,” said Daniel Howard, the Museum’s Grants and Restoration Manager.

The Dion family has long been a cornerstone of Wollongong’s transport landscape, known affectionately for their motto “no one left behind,” a testament to their service ethos during challenging times like the Great Depression and World War II. Their legacy lives on through their distinctive blue buses, which continue to serve the Illawarra region today.

In addition to the bus, the Sydney Bus Museum is now developing a dedicated display within its facility to honour the Dion family and their enduring impact on NSW transport. This new exhibit will celebrate the family's legacy as one of the state’s longest-running bus operators. “Dion’s is one of the most well-known family bus operators still carrying passengers in the State, and we are thrilled to be able to represent their legacy to the community,” said Museum Manager Bob Gioia.

As a not-for-profit volunteer organisation with over 250 active members, the Sydney Bus Museum depends on public generosity and community spirit to preserve Australia’s bus history. The story of 6057 is not just one of engineering and restoration, but of collaboration between craftspeople, donors, enthusiasts, and historians. “Through care and attention by preservationist Brian Mantle and significant community donations, we have been able to secure this magnificent vehicle,” Gioia said. “It will be cherished by everyone for many years to come.”

-D.H