Cool Heads sends a strong message

Published on 30 May 2024

‘Cool Heads’ returned in triumphant fashion to the region on Wednesday 29 May with a captivating 2 hour presentation at Club Corowa.

Federation Council, Mayor Cr Patrick Bourke said, this cross-border road safety education initiative is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students from both Rutherglen and Corowa High Schools and has been running since 2011.

“Over 100 students, their teachers and a few interested onlookers heard factual and confronting first-hand accounts from both Corowa and Rutherglen Police sergeants (Sgts Stephen Marshall and Mick Savage), Ben Wilson from the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and also Vicki Richardson who for many years hosted the Don’t-txt-n-drive foundation following the tragic death of her then 20yo daughter Brooke in December 2012, who was texting while driving.”

“A new and well received element to the Cool Heads program was a braking and stopping distance demonstration at different speeds, which was held by Highway Patrol Police in Betterment Parade,” he said.

Students have given Cool Heads 2024 a huge thumbs up with it scoring a post-event online feedback survey satisfaction rating of 89%. Each presenter’s rating was exceptionally high in the 94-98% range. Key take-away messages included:

• don’t text and drive;
• speeding;
• the dangers of cars;
• pay attention to your surroundings

Organising Committee members are from a range of stakeholders including Victorian Police, Rutherglen Neighbourhood Watch, Federation Council, NSW Police, Don’t-txt-n-drive, Corowa High School and Rutherglen High School.

Organisers wish to thank the generosity of Club Corowa for the venue as well as providing meeting spaces over the past few months. In particular Functions Manager Helen King for her exceptional assistance.

Thanks also to Canns Bus Line, Jaspers Bus Service, Indigo Shire Council, Federation Council, Complete Body Craft and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA).