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Media Release
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National Kidsafe Day Launch a Major Success
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 11:14
On Average, One Child a Month across Australia Dies in a Home Driveway Runover
The launch of the Kidsafe Driveway Safety Campaign by the Victorian Minister for Children, the Hon Wendy Lovell at Federation Square yesterday was a major success generating statewide media coverage on television, radio and print media.
Media coverage:
Herald Sun - Driveway Death Sparks Campaign
Ballarat Courier - Mum and Daughter Push Driveway Safety
The Minister launched the Kidsafe driveway campaign, backed by the TAC Community Grants Program and GM Holden, at Federation Square with a graphic illustration of the lack of vision behind vehicles.
A fifteen metre Kidsafe bright yellow mat filled with small children graphically displayed the 15 metre dangerous blind spot for drivers.
Melanie Barbera and her 18 month old daughter Sierra, who was run over in the home driveway
last year and survived, joined the Minister, Wendy Lovell to promote the driveway safety message
by placing the first of 95,000 vehicle safety stickers on the car.
Melanie Barbera and the Minister for Children, the Hon Wendy Lovell,
join children on the fifteen metre long Kidsafe Visibility Mat which demonstrates distance
of the driver's blind spot relying on a rear vision mirror.
Children and supporters celebrate the official launch of the Kidsafe Driveway Safety
Campaign at Federation Square.
The Hon. Wendy Lovell, Minister for Children, presenting a National Kidsafe Road Safety Award
to the Wodonga South Primary School students (left) Alicia Phibbs and Holly Bauerie
at Federation Square for the School's outstanding contribution to Road Safety.
Statistics from the Coroners Prevention Unit:
National Kidsafe Awards were presented:
1. Business Award (recognises retailers/business who actively promote road safety for children through action, increasing awareness or advocacy)- the winner of this award is the 'Transportation of Children and Youth with Additional Needs' partnership (members include RCH, Latrobe University, Britax, VicRoads, Association for Children with a Disability, RACV, ACRI, Autism Victoria).
2. Local Champion Award (recognises individuals/groups who have actively contributed to improved road safety for children in their local community)- the winner of this award is the City of Geelong's Active Transport Network.
3. Kids Teaching Kids Award (recognises school students/local clubs/individual children who are less than 18 years of age and who have actively contributed to road safety for children) - the winner of this award is Wodonga South Primary School.
Joining the Kidsafe Driveway Safety Campaign
The City of Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges Shire have already joined in the campaign to distribute 5000 Kidsafe Driveway Stickers and promote the safety message to their residents.
Councils wanting to join the campaign should contact the Kidsafe Office on (03) 9251 7725 or email
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Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victora - Mobile: 0417 329 201