End of Year Review
With around 2,850 participants coming through a Roadcraft course and a busy year all round, the team has had an amazing year full of challenges and successes. We’d like to take a moment to thank them, reflect on the year that has been, and look to 2022 to see what’s ahead.
After ten years, our Senior Driver Educator, Max is retiring! His presence on the team will be dearly missed, though we wish Max all the best for his retirement.
2021 – challenges, successes, and changes!
It has been a busy year, as always, for Roadcraft! Not every organisation needs to conduct very high level training, and achieve potentially life-saving learning outcomes, while a dirty great highway is being built right in the middle of their workplace, but that’s what the Roadcraft Driver Educators have been doing all year! The contractors building the highway have all been a pleasure to work with and made all this as easy as possible.
Throughout all this, Roadcraft staff have maintained a great attitude, a solutions-based approach, excellent communication and a very high level of professionalism, so we salute them on a job well done!
The very best part is we now have a brand new driver training area.
The Admin staff have supported everyone superbly and our Maintenance Officer, Chris, has kept the whole place looking spectacular. He has done his best to keep the grass at an acceptable level – no small task on 44 hectares with all this rain!
Another highlight this year was when our Operations Manager, Glen, was invited to go to Tasmania and review Ambulance Tasmania’s non-emergency, emergency, 4WD, volunteer, patient transfer and bariatric driver training programs. Being asked to do this type of consultancy work was definitely a highlight and certainly an enjoyable experience. Glen felt very welcomed by everyone he worked with at Ambulance Tasmania and was impressed with their driver training curriculum. (He’s secretly hoping he’ll be invited back again some time!).
Feedback from 2021
We love hearing positive feedback from course participants. Here’s a selection of some of our favourites this year!
‘One of my biggest fears is being in a car crash. I wanted to know how to drive safer on the road. I’ve learnt more confidence and knowledge about what to do in emergency situations, and how to avoid being in them in the first place.’- Lily D (Student Driver Course)
‘I have come to realize the consequences of unsafe driving, as well as the correct technique when driving.’ – Caidence A (Learner Driver Course)
‘I have gained techniques to safer driving and avoiding road tragedy. Awesome course and would recommend for others’. – Hayden B (Provisional Driver Course)
‘The practical exercises really brought home just how easily tragedy can strike. Extremely worthwhile course which all drivers should undertake regardless of experience level.’ – Ray G (Corporate Driver Course)
‘I gained confidence to tow, learnt communication techniques and road safety knowledge. This has been a great experience with building my confidence.’ – Steve W (Safe Towing Course)
‘As a previously non 4WD driver I gained skills and confidence beyond my expectations and own ability.’ – Gary F (4WD Course)
‘I thought I was a good driver; however, this course has made me a SAFE driver. The staff were excellent, their teaching style and professionalism were of the highest standard.’ – Graduate Paramedics Course
What’s in store for 2022?
Additions to Our Training Fleet
We have four new Camrys ordered thanks to our major sponsor John Madill Toyota. They are expected in the first quarter of 2022 and once they’ve been fitted with dual controls and signed, they’ll be ready to use on courses.
Benevolent Fund
Furthering the work Roadcraft is doing for drivers who would not otherwise be able to access our courses, we have some exciting news coming in the new year on a Fund that aims to ensure our potentially life saving education is accessible to those who need it.
Welcoming Gympie Medical Transport
We look forward to welcoming 16 volunteer drivers from Gympie Medical Transport early in 2022 for a one-day safe, low risk, defensive driver course. These courses have been funded by the Department of Transport & Main Roads.
Enjoy the Festive Season – Safely!
This time of year there can be lots of social pressure to bend the rules or push boundaries, just remember that it’s better to get there late and alive.
Enjoying a drink or two around the holidays is a given for some, but please make sure you leave the car at home when you do. If you choose to be the designated driver, we salute you for keeping the holiday season safer for everyone!
Lastly, remember to plan ahead! If you know that you’re unlikely to leave somewhere until later in the evening, make sure that you’re prepared and not fatigued when it comes time to get behind the wheel.