18/09/2025
There wasn't a spare seat left in the hall at Beaudesert State High School on Tuesday night for the Young Driver Education Evening, with around 150 people in attendance.
The evening was hosted by John Powell, President of Beaudesert Youth & Community Centre -YACC who support this event. John spoke about the Pathways Driver Training Program and that learner drivers can access driving lessons. Jill and Jeff from Beaudesert Driving School are the partner business who provide this service.
There is also a Braking The Cycle Program,
who help young learner driver's gain their 100 hours. Bob Court from the PCYC Beenleigh branch spoke about the program and the need for more volunteer driving supervisors and mentors.
Beaudesert Rotary Club, who are supporters of the evening, had a free sausage sizzle and drinks for all those who attended. It's always great seeing them support community events.
Highway Patrol police officer Tony Fishburn had the Driver Simulator set up for young drivers ( and those close to starting) to each have a turn.
It was clearly evident that when asked to hold a moblie phone and type in information the driver is totally distracted. The Simulator car was all over the road, crashing head on into other vehicles, hitting trees, fences and brick walls.
***Please be assured that the Driver Simulator is to discourage anyone (not just young drivers) using their phone whilst in control of a vehicle. The fine is $1251 and a loss of 4 demerit points, learners and p plate drivers face a license suspension.
The night was sponsored by Bendigo Bank, with Chris Watkins representing and speaking on their behalf about the importance of supporting programs such as this.
Beaudesert State High School are also supporters of this event and Principal Damien Burke spoke about how great it is to drive, but our youth have so much to learn about road safety.
Police Officer in Charge of Beaudesert, Ken Murray gave a talk about the importance of road safety. The current fatalities in Beaudesert is zero, but unfortunately Jimboomba has had 6 fatalities this year. Ken is a strong advocate, as well as many of the guests on the night, to get a PCYC in Beaudesert.
Highway Patrol police officer Tony Fishburn had a slideshow and spoke about the statistics of road fatalities, with 2025 looking like it will exceed last year's statistics. In 2024 there were 302 fatalities in Queensland and so far in 2025 we are sitting at 215. It's important to know the Fatal 5 and be wary of road conditions.
Speed is a major factor, followed by drink/drug driving, fatigue and being distracted. Tony spoke of the rules regarding phone use by the driver and the person supervising a learner driver. It's an absolute no-no for all drivers no matter what your licence status is. There was also a quick talk about e-bikes and scooters.
Queensland Ambulance Service Paramedic Courtney Hollis spoke of the how traumatic it is to turn up as a first responder to the scene of an accident. The life and death situations she encounters from road crashes and how the whole community is effected with by road accidents. The life changing impact it has on all those involved.
Mark Larkham, ex supercar driver, team owner and motorsport analyst gave a talk about good driving behaviour and how to be the best driver you possibly can be. He spoke about situational awareness, using your auditory, visual and sensory senses.
Make sure you're comfortable in the drivers seat by adjusting everything for maximum performance. Don’t be distracted, be aware of road conditions, tyre tread, braking, handling corners, aquaplaning and steering.
Rob Richardson, along with colleagues from Beaudesert Fire Brigade attended as well. Rob spoke of the 22,000 car accidents in Queensland a year, with a majority of those being P plate drivers. He said the impact on the community is huge.
Last guest to speak was Norm Graham who is a Road Safety Advocate and has in the past pulled many drivers and passengers from car accidents. This of course doesn't hit as hard as the loss of his own son Jarred, who was killed in a car accident. Norm also has another son who was involved in a different bad accident.
The night was also attended by Beaudesert Driving School and the Emergency Services Cadets.
Julie from YACC was in charge of the raffle, with the prize being a free driving lesson. The winner was Oscar Sleep, who can contact Jill from Beaudesert Driving School on 0412 863 737.
