Community organisations and local governments around Western Australia have been awarded grants of up to $25,000 under the Road Safety Commission’s Community Grants Program.
'Road safety is a whole of community responsibility, which is why these grants are so important,' said Road Safety Minister David Michael.
'It’s fantastic to see such a wide variety of creative initiatives, which serve to remind us of how vital it is to tap into the ideas, insights and enthusiasm of locals to make our roads safer. I encourage all organisations concerned about road safety in their community to consider applying for these grants in the future,' the Minister said.
Interest in the grants was strong, particularly in the regions. Of the 49 grants awarded, 34 will see projects and events delivered in regional WA.
The key criteria was whether the project or event delivered against the framework for the State’s Driving Change strategy. This framework underpins the State’s approach to reducing the number of people killed and injured on our roads.
Grants were awarded for a wide variety of projects including:
- City of Armadale Youth RoadSafe Video Project – a contest to give young people the opportunity to use their creativity in producing an animated video on road safety.
- City of Stirling Child Car Restraint Program -this program will include a child car restraint fitting service.
- Shire of Serpentine- Jarrahdale – a campaign focused on horse riders and cars sharing the road safely.
- Pakistanis in Australia - Road safety messaging in Urdu.
- Shire of Pingelly - Safe Road Home Project - a drive trail loop highlighted with sculptures every 15km along the Brookton and Albany Highways to help keep drivers engaged on the road.
The Road Safety Commission’s Community Grant Program has had a positive impact on road safety in WA. One recent example is a stunning mural created by artist Alicia Rogerson at the entrance of Mullalyup in WA’s South West. The mural (pictured) featuring the road safety message 'Slow Down in Our Town', has resonated with drivers and resulted in more respectful and safer driving in town.
To be kept in the loop about the next round of grant funding, register via the Road Safety Commission's Community Grants Portal.
Image - Mullalyup residents with mural by Alicia Rogerson
