Federation Council, in collaboration with Victorian Police, Rutherglen Neighbourhood Watch, NSW Police, Don't-txt-n-drive, Corowa High School, Indigo Shire Council's L2P program, and Rutherglen High School, successfully hosted the annual 'Cool Heads' road safety education program at Club Corowa on Wednesday, March 19th.
Approximately 60 senior students from Rutherglen and Corowa High Schools participated in the event, gaining invaluable insights from police officers, first responders, and individuals who have experienced the devastating impact of road trauma firsthand.
The long-standing cross-border initiative, running since 2011, continues to resonate strongly with young people, achieving an 85% approval rating from attending students.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook said it's incredibly important that our young people understand the serious consequences of unsafe driving practices.
"The 'Cool Heads' program provides a powerful platform for students to hear directly from those who have witnessed or experienced the tragic realities of road trauma," Mayor Cook said.
"These stories are not just statistics; they are real lives impacted, and they serve as a stark reminder that road safety is everyone's responsibility."
Students reported taking away key messages, including the understanding that road trauma can affect anyone and the importance of considering the consequences of their actions before driving. Many students also expressed feeling better informed about driving risks and how to effectively manage them to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
"I'm delighted to see such a positive response from the students," Mayor Cook said.
"The feedback clearly demonstrates that the 'Cool Heads' program is making a real difference in educating and empowering young drivers to make safer choices. The fact that students are leaving with a greater understanding of driving risks is exactly what we aim to achieve. This program is a vital investment in the safety of our community's young people."
The event was further supported by the attendance of five Councillors from Federation Council and Indigo Shire, demonstrating the strong commitment of both councils to road safety.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to Club Corowa for hosting the event for the second consecutive year, acknowledging their invaluable support in delivering this critical educational program.
