By Jim Mynard
LIONS clubs from the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia want to establish a community-owned and managed regional driver training facility.
The clubs aim to kick-start the campaign at a public meeting on Wednesday 22 February at a venue to be chosen.
The program begins with a road safety information seminar at Akoonah Park, Berwick, from 7pm on Thursday 15 December aimed at the 15 to 25 age group.
The night will be held in conjunction with emergency services, the Australian Lions Drug and Alcohol Foundation, driver education providers, interested councillors and politicians.
The Lions Club of Berwick initiated the program called “Project — Driving Force” to focus on the age group that is over-represented in Transport Accident Commission (TAC) statistics with an accident rate nearly double that of any other age group.
Berwick Lions Club president Graham Cockerell said the project had gained the interest and support of many organisations, including at least 10 Lions clubs in the district, state and federal politicians, councillors, churches, auto clubs, police and emergency services.
He said business and corporate groups had also shown interest.
“Project – Driving Force is to provide free or low-cost driver education for P-platers, learners and pre-learners, and also to tackle the issue of illegal street racing and burnouts.
“We plan to establish regional multi-use driver education motor sports facilities in areas where they are lacking.
“The dream is achievable because of the almost overwhelming support and goodwill generated since the presentation of the project at the Lions V5 district convention last year.”
Mr Cockerell, who has been an RACV contractor and tow truck driver for more than 20 years, said his driving force was the loss of apprentice Scott Kelly in a triple fatal accident he attended at Narre Warren North several years ago.
He was also spurred by the involvement of his own children in a serious accident. Mr Cockerell said he believed the Lions could make a difference.
Mr Cockerell and Emerald Lions Club immediate past president Ray Spencer have travelled nearly 2500 kilometres across Victoria in the last two months, taking the youth road safety message to more than 240 Lions clubs and the public.
Mr Cockerell said there had been a groundswell of support and enthusiasm for the project.