RACT in the community

Tasmania faces significant road safety challenges, with one of the highest road tolls in Australia. RACT is acutely aware of this issue and is committed to being a part of the solution.

We believe in starting road safety education early, instilling vital skills and knowledge that will remain with students as they grow. This long-term approach to education holds the key to reducing accidents on Tasmania's roads.

Central to our mission is our Community team who spearhead our education programs. The team’s dedication and passion for educating the next generation exemplify our commitment to safer roads in Tasmania. Through carefully crafted programs and engaged students, they’re driving positive change and paving the way for a safer, more responsible future on Tasmanian roads.

At the helm of these initiatives in southern Tasmania is Hayley Brown. Hayley explains, "We go from kinder to grade two, which is our Yippee! storybook time. Our Road Safe program targets grades three to six, while our high school program focuses on grades ten to twelve. We also offer our senior program, which covers topics like misunderstood road rules.”

This diverse approach ensures the road safety message resonates with every Tasmanian, from kindergartners to seniors. It's an approach that recognises that effective road safety education is not one-size-fits-all.  

"Some of them take years to develop," says Hayley. Programs like Road Safe have evolved into invaluable online resources. Collaborations with third-party experts have ensured the development of comprehensive, engaging content for students and educators alike.

Hayley acknowledges the origins of these programs, rooted in the work of her predecessors. Former Community and Education Manager, Kathy Stocks, was instrumental in shaping our commitment to community engagement and road safety education.

“RACT identified that they really needed somebody full time working in community and education. So that gave us the opportunity to really go out and find exactly what the community needed," Kathy said.

Starting with the youngest minds and progressing through primary school, colleges, and even extending to the elderly, Kathy strived to address the diverse needs of the community, in turn shaping the future of our educational road safety programs.

What sets our programs apart is their ability to engage young minds. In a world where attention spans are fleeting, making road safety education interesting and memorable is paramount. Hayley's team achieves this through interactive activities that challenge and educate simultaneously. Students aren't just passive recipients of information; they become active participants in their own road safety education.

However, the impact of these programs extends far beyond the classroom. It's about forging a deeper connection with the community, a sentiment deeply ingrained in our values. Our commitment to supporting Tasmanians is reflected in our education initiatives. For Hayley, it's a source of immense pride to work for an organisation that gives back to the very community it serves. “The community continues to support us, so it’s only fair that we support the community wherever we can.” she says.