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Road Safety Initiatives RewardedRoadSafe Victoria recently presented awards to Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon and Victoria Police retiring Sergeant Steve Johnson. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 11th September 2009 - Back to News Councillor Veronica Dowman, Chairperson of the South Gippsland RoadSafe Committee, said the awards were for their work on the Learning Driver Mentor (L2P) project and a range of other initiatives.
"RoadSafe Victoria has formally recognised the success of these initiatives to improve road safety in Bass Coast," explained Cr Dowman.
"Both Mr Laydon and Sgt Johnson have done some exceptional work and this is well deserved recognition of their contribution.
Cr Dowman said that Mr Laydon’s award recognised his dedication to Road Safety in the Eastern Region and within our Shire.
"Peter played a vital role in the restructuring of RoadSafe in Eastern Victoria and represented all regional councils in a State restructure," explained Cr Dowman.
"The programs that Peter has helped develop, including our L2P program, research on motorised mobility aides and the new Crash Vehicle Project, are the envy of other municipalities in Gippsland.
"The positive way Peter works with Road Safety issues and his enthusiasm for these projects is a major asset for Bass Coast."
Sgt Johnson’s award was for his work on the L2P project and his contribution to Road Safety across Gippsland.
"The L2P project in Bass Coast was the first to be launched in Victoria. Steve developed the procedures and the program from scratch and this model has now become the template for many other programs across the state," said Cr Dowman.
"His role as a mentor on other Gippsland projects, development of the New Arrivals Driver Education program in Gippsland and his work on Road Safety with the local Sudanese community has been outstanding.
"There is no doubt that Bass Coast is a leader in the field of Road Safety and the work of Peter and Steve is a major part of our success in this area," congratulated Cr Dowman.
Crash Vehicle Project
The latest Bass Coast Road Safe initiative – The Crash Vehicle Project - is already circulating in the community and will be officially launched in October 2009. Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Safety team, working with Victoria Police and the RACV, has driven the project.
"Regional crash data highlights that the biggest issue in our region is accidents where vehicles exceeding the speed limit, run off the road and crash into fixed objects," explained Mr Laydon.
"More young people die from road crashes than any other cause. Only 13 per cent of all licensed drivers are aged between 18-25, yet this age group accounts for 27 per cent of driver deaths.
"This is a tragedy for our young people and their families and we hope this program will help raise the awareness of the dangers of speeding and the impact it can have on people’s lives."
The Crash Vehicle Project includes a display of a badly damaged Holden SS Utility.
"This vehicle was driven by a 22 year old local and although he survived the crash, he is now living in a severely handicapped state," explained Mr Laydon.
"Most young people don’t consider what might happen if they speed. This example of a local boy and the impact his accident has had on his family, friends and community will hopefully bring home to them exactly what the risks are.
The Crash Vehicle Project will visit local communities, schools, sporting events, festivals and markets, reinforcing the dangers of speeding.
Background Information
L2P
The L2P initiative coincided with VicRoads’ Graduated Licensing System, which requires all learner drivers to complete a log book ensuring they get the 120 hours driving experience that is required by law.
The mentoring system is designed to help disadvantaged youth to meet this 120 hours driving requirement and ensure all young drivers get the opportunity to learn to drive and the help they need to complete their log books.
New Arrivals Driver Education
This initiative was the forerunner to the L2P program and came about following a request from the local Magistrate. Sudanese people were over-represented in court for driving related offenses and the Magistrate approached Police, Council and VicRoads to see if there was anything that could be done to reverse this alarming trend.
As a result a program was developed to assist Sudanese locals to obtain their learners permit and eventually a Victorian Driver Licence. The program began with a number of class room sessions where participants were given instruction on all aspects of using a motor vehicle. The second phase was driver training which evolved into the development of the L2P program.
Motorised Scooter Project
The Bass Coast SafeRoads committee has completed research into the use of motorised scooters. A report has been prepared to provide supporting data and recommendations for the use of local councils, RoadSafe organisations and VicRoads. It provides evidence to support regulation of motorised scooters to ensure the ongoing safety of users and the general public.
This report has a Bass Coast focus, however research has clearly shown these problems are being experienced at a state, national and international level. This includes a dramatic increase in the number of serious injuries and deaths associated with the use of motorised scooters.
This report has made some fundamental recommendation to address this issue and places the responsibility on local, state and federal governments and their agencies.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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South Gippsland Shire Council invites community submissions on a proposed 50-year lease to Fish Creek Football Netball Club for new clubrooms. Submissions close 5pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026, addressed to the CEO. - Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join family-friendly Australia Day celebrations on 22 and 26 January 2026
Residents are invited to free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across Baw Baw Shire, reflecting on history, recognising First Nations cultures, welcoming new citizens, thanking volunteers, and celebrating community spirit together. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - East Gippsland celebrates community contributions at 2026 Australia Day Awards with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador
East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, hosted 21 January at Lakes Entrance, will honour residents’ contributions with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador, featuring live entertainment, barbecue, and community celebration. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 26 November 2025
At its 26 November meeting, Baw Baw Council extended Mick Cummins as Acting CEO, adopted the Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, and progressed key planning and governance decisions. - East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates the nominees and winners of 2026 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards and other updates
South Gippsland celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Meeniyan Hall, recognising outstanding citizens, youth, and community events, with winners Valerie Wilson, Erica Begg, Rhiannon Rawlins, and Loch Food and Wine Festival. - East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - East Gippsland Council opens 2026 Australia Day Awards nominations to celebrate outstanding community contributions
East Gippsland Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating individuals, groups, and events that make outstanding contributions to the community across volunteering, sport, arts, and environment. - Wellington Shire Council invites 12-24-year-olds to join 2026 Youth Council, shaping projects, advocacy, and advice
Wellington Shire Council invites 12-24-year-olds to join the 2026 Youth Council, shaping projects, advocacy, and programs, including the Youth Art Prize, Live4Life initiatives, and youth engagement forums across the Shire. - 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. - Live4Life Baw Baw celebrates 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising leadership, teamwork and mental health achievements
Live4Life Baw Baw celebrated its 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising their leadership, teamwork, and mental health initiatives, while marking key milestones and community achievements throughout the year. - Tim Bull urges community action to prevent gender-based violence during global sixteen-day activism campaign
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges community action during the sixteen-day campaign to prevent gender-based violence, promote respect, and support safety, accountability, and cultural change across all spaces. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms.
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