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Local primary school children assist road safety campaign

Wellington Shire Council is joining forces with Victoria Police, the Wellington Shire Local Safety Committee and local primary school children on a new road safety campaign - Mobile Phone use While Driving.

By Wellington Shire Council - 9th December 2004 - Back to News

Local primary students have been invited to design posters highlighting the dangers of talking and text messaging on mobile phones whilst driving, which will be displayed around the shire.

The need for this awareness campaign was identified following an increase in the use of mobile phones in motor vehicles, which is becoming a key factor in road safety across Victoria.

The program is set to begin in early 2005 with special briefing sessions being held at local primary schools across the shire, followed by an accompanying media campaign targeting all road-users.

Said Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb: "The council is delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile and collaborative initiative to address the issue of road safety.

"In 2003, 173 people were killed on rural roads throughout Victoria. Three of those were in Wellington Shire[1].

"It’s vital to everyone’s safety that all drivers act responsibly and keep alert when behind the wheel, and understand the potential risks to both themselves and other road-users when using mobile telephones while on our roads."

More information is available by telephoning Wellington’s Youth Development Officer, David Roberts on 1300 366 244.

[1] Statistics courtesy of http://www.tacsafety.com.au.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Darren Chester completes 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners in iconic Gippsland sporting tradition
  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.