Senior students at Newman Catholic College in Cairns are now better equipped to hit the road safely after taking part in the Cowboys Try Time! On the Road to Success module.
Presented by Toyota and StreetSmarts, the session educates new, young drivers in road safety in an engaging and informative way.
“Getting your licence and finding the freedom of driving yourself and others around is an extremely exciting time in a teenager’s life,” Cowboys Community Foundation’s Programs Manager Ray Thompson said.
“But being behind the wheel is also a huge responsibility because young drivers are not only accountable for their own safety, but also anyone in their vehicle and other motorists and pedestrians sharing the roads,” he said.
“It’s important to have open and honest discussions about how to be a safe driver now, as a bit of a reality check and also to help build their confidence to be considerate and skilled drivers.”
According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, young drivers aged 17-24 are one of Queensland’s most at-risk road user groups.
Research suggests those aged 16 – 24 are 60% more likely to be involved in a serious crash than mature adults.
The Try Time! On the Road to Success workshop addresses risky driving behaviours including the Fatal Five and practical ways young people can keep themselves and others safe.
Ray is in Cairns this week delivering the vital road safety messages to secondary school students, as well as presenting the Try Time! Respectful Relationships module, supported by TAFE Queensland.
Try Time! is an educational program targeting students in years 10, 11 and 12. It also includes modules around mental wellbeing – Head in the Game, presented by Sun Metals, and voting readiness – Ready, Set, Vote!, presented by the AEC.
The Cowboys Community team are regular, long-time visitors to schools, JRL clubs and community organisations across the Far North, with active programs in communities across Cairns, Mapoon, Weipa, Cooktown and Wujal Wujal, and strong connections through NRL Cowboys House families across 29 communities.
Leader of Partnerships and Programs at Newman Catholic College Alex Starmer said the Cowboys’ program was a unique way for the senior students to learn about topics that are sometimes confronting, in a relaxed and respectful way.
“There are some things that are tougher to talk about than others, and sometimes teenagers won’t necessarily want to have those discussions with their parents or teacher.
“It’s extremely helpful and meaningful to have the Cowboys and great role models like Ray deliver these important messages which will set our students up to be successful drivers long after they leave school,” he said.
All Try Time! modules are available for presentation in North Queensland secondary schools across the school year. To register interest, visit cowboysfoundation.org.au/programs/Try Time!
