Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Vision Impaired Hit 130 Kph Down The Straight At SandownLatrobe City’s Rural Access Project Officer Bill Lawler has never had a driver’s licence, but on Sunday 25 March during the annual ‘In the Driver’s Seat’ event, he did six laps of the By Latrobe City Shire Council - 12th April 2007 - Back to News Sandown Park Raceway reaching speeds of up to 130 kph.
Mr Lawler said that driving instructors from independent driving schools offer their time and vehicles free of charge for the event, organised by the Lions Club of Warrandyte.
"This day gives some people who are blind or vision impaired a chance to drive for the first time whilst for others it provides an opportunity to relive some pleasant memories.
"The driving instructor sits beside the participant and talks the driver round the circuit. Each participant gets a half-hour time slot and is able to enjoy the freedom of being in control of a vehicle for that short period of time," Mr Lawler explained.
"It sure beats taking the bus", Mr Lawler said. "It was really exciting to have a drive. It’s something you really miss," Mr Lawler added.
Mr Lawler said that participants had travelled from interstate to take part in the event.
"People travelled from Queensland and the Northern Territory to have a drive. The people from Queensland are going to try and set up a similar event in their own state," Mr Lawler added.
"The event is well supported by the members of the Ulysses (Shearwater) Motor Cycle Group, the Vintage Driver’s Club and the ’49–‘59 Ford Customline Club who provided added excitement by giving participants and their families rides around Sandown Park Raceway and surrounding roads in their vehicles.
"The Lions Club also provided a barbecue and refreshments during the day which attracted around 165 participants and their friends and families. It was a fantastic day.
"Those of us who got to drive had a great time and we can’t wait to experience the feeling of independence behind the wheel again next year," Mr Lawler concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment. - Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows. - Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers. - Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management. - Join our free Beninette Tour for behind-the-scenes access, event facilities insights, and booking information
Ever wondered what's really beyond the bricks at Berninneit? Thinking about hiring a space or curious about what's backstage? Join us for a free guided tour and get an insider's look at every space in Berninneit, in just half an hour. - Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
|
|
