Council News - March 2008DRIVERS URGED TO UTILISE DRIVER REVIVER STATIONS THIS EASTERDrivers are being encouraged to take advantage of the Derby Driver Reviver station which will be operating during the Easter long weekend.
The Derby Driver Reviver station will be operating at Colourstone, about halfway between Derby and Broome on Thursday March 20, from 10.30 – 4.00 pm
Driver Reviver stations aim to reduce the incidence of fatigue and fatigue related trauma on the roads in Western Australia by offering a free cup of tea, coffee, bottled water, a biscuit and most importantly, a chance to revive so drivers reach their destination safely.
The stations are an ideal place to take a break on a long journey. They also provide an opportunity for Local Governments, police, sponsors and other road safety partners to work together to try and combat fatigue. Derby Driver Reviver Coordinator Kevin Pettingill said it was important for drivers to take regular breaks on long journeys, as research showed that after approximately two hours driving, the driver could become fatigued which affects reaction times and may lead to a road crash.
“The Easter weekend is a popular time for people to enjoy a break or visit friends and family and we want to see these people return home safely.” Mr Pettingill said.
“I would encourage drivers and their families to stop and take a break at our Driver Reviver site and enjoy some refreshments, stretch their legs and have a chat to the volunteers before setting off again on their journey.”
“By encouraging drivers to stop and take a break from driving every two hours, the Driver Reviver program is helping to eliminate fatigue as a major cause of road crashes, injury and death in WA and in the Kimberley.
“Remember, driving tired can kill.”
The facts about fatigue:
- Driving while tired is dangerous and fatigue is a factor in up to 30% of fatal crashes on WA roads.
- Driving after being awake for between 17-19 hours produces performance levels similar to having a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .05.
Tips for avoiding fatigue: - Plan ahead – work out rest stops and overnight stops before you start.
- Get away from the wheel – stop for at least 15 minutes every 2 hours.
- Share the driving whenever possible.
Driver Reviver is sponsored by Bushells & Arnotts who provide coffee, tea, & biscuits. The Water Corporation has provided the bottled water to the Driver Reviver operators to encourage drivers to stop, revive and survive.
For further information contact:
Kevin Pettingill, Chair of SDWK Roadwise Committee, 91910999
Greg Hayes, Regional Road Safety Officer, 0419 192 759
Recipients - 2008 Local Government Academic Scholarship13th March 2008 Shire President, Elsia Archer recently announced the successful applicants for the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley’s 2008 Local Government Academic Scholarship. They were Ms. Jessica Ellis and Mr. Tim Stuckey of Derby who will study Urban and Regional Planning and Environmental Health respectively. “This is the first time the Shire has offered the scholarship which was designed to develop a career path for local youth and assist in creating a future for them in the local government district” said Cr. Archer. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit all staff, particularly professionally qualified and many professional positions needed by Council require academic qualifications. Council already provides work experience to school students, offers trainee positions where available and promotes indigenous employment where possible” The value of the scholarship is approximately $10,000 per calendar year for full-time students to cover all HECS costs plus a minor living allowance. It is open to both Year 12 leavers and mature age students who have not studied at university before. “I wish Jessica and Tim every success and look forward to having them aboard the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley when they graduate” said Cr. Archer. Cr. Archer concluded with a reminder that the scholarship will be offered again in 2009 and encouraged anyone contemplating attending university to apply.
Ends.
For more information
John Pearson, Chief Executive Officer
(08) 9191 0999
0429 911 436
Press Release - $454,000 Grant to redevelop the aquatic centre at Derby Memorial Swimming Pool13th March 2008 Community sport and recreation groups across Western Australia will share in almost $10.5million in State Government grants under the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF). Premier Alan Carpenter announced this year’s grants, 61 per cent were for projects in regional WA totalling just over $6.3million. Included is a grant for $454,000 to redevelop the aquatic centre at Derby Memorial Swimming Pool. A copy of the Press Release is located Here
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