The community program, established by Deniliquin High School and designed specifically for Year 10 students, was announced as the Schools Program Award recipient in a virtual ceremony on Thursday.
Program coordinator Jenny Fellows said it is ‘‘wonderful recognition’’ for the program, which is estimated to have benefited 800 Deniliquin High School students so far.
It comes after the program received the Edward River Council 2020 Community Event or Initiative of the Year award on Australia Day this year.
‘‘We were a finalist for this same award a few years ago, but this is our first national award,’’ Mrs Fellows said.
‘‘It is an amazing award and great recognition for what we consider to be a whole community event.
‘‘There are so many organisations and people involved in this program each year.
‘‘The program is a wonderful platform to promote discussions around road safety.’’
The Deniliquin High School Driver Education Program was founded to give high school students a head start for their driving skills.
Over an entire week, the intensive program for Year 10 students covers all aspects of road safety and protecting the lives of young drivers and the people they share the road with.
This year will be the ninth for the program.
The program is coordinated by the Deniliquin High School P&C committee and the high school staff with help from various agencies, departments and local emergency services.
Each year, it starts with a shock to the system for the would-be drivers taking part, with a mock accident rescue delivered by the emergency services members.
Students are also given a chance to see how visibility is hindered behind the steering wheel of a truck, and with the help of the Deniliquin Sporting Car Club get behind the wheel of a car to navigate the club’s Deniliquin course.
This gives them an understanding of driving to conditions and how to control the car.
Before the local program was developed, only a select few Deni High students were sent to participate in a similar program in northern Victoria.
Mrs Fellows said the long-term plan was to roll-out the unique local program nationally, but said that goal was harder than first thought.
She hopes with the recognition that may come from the national award, other communities will reach out for advice from the local program coordinators.
A celebratory luncheon for the awards was cancelled because of Coronavirus restrictions, but Mrs Fellows said it is expected to be held later in the year.
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