More than 100 local farmers attended the recent load restraint village tour sessions in 12 locations across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas.
The practical load restraint information sessions featured displays, case studies, how to videos and presentations from NSW Police, Transport for NSW Heavy Vehicle Inspectors, Safework NSW and NSW Health's Rural Mental Health Adversity Program.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the sessions were part of the Councils' current 'Load Restraint Education Project' which is targeting the safe transportation of hay bales, machinery and general freight.
"We held sessions in Trundle, Kiacatoo, Alectown, Wirrinya, Derriwong, Tullibigeal, Bedgerebong, Tullamore, Peak Hill, Tottenham, Lake Cargelligo and Burcher.
"Numbers were good at most of the sessions, the participants were really engaged and we know that they will share what was discussed with their network.
"The sessions covered load restraint fundamentals, legal requirements, penalties, case studies and tips for getting it right.
"Safework NSW spoke about their current focus on the freight industry and some of the rebates on offer to small businesses and farmers. Phil Worrad from the Rural Mental Health Adversity Program gave attendees tips on how to look after yourself and your mates," Ms Suitor said.
Everyone that attended received a load restraint pack containing the Load Restraint Guide 2018, fact sheets, links to the project's how to videos and other useful information.
The winner of the lucky door prize, an engel thermo15 worth $190, was Rachel Harding who attended the session at Tottenham.
An additional 1,000 load restraint packs will be shared amongst local rural supply stores within the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas in the coming weeks.
The post campaign quiz is now live and will measure whether there has been any change in load restraint awareness as a result of the project.
"You can access the eight question quiz here or by clicking the button below.
"Test your load restraint knowledge and you could win $500 worth of load restraint equipment. Entries close at 5pm on Monday 5 July and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 6 July," Ms Suitor said.
The project is an initiative of Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety Program, with support from NSW Police, NSW Farmers and Transport for NSW. The project is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, which is supported by the Federal Government.
