By EMMA SUN
SEVEN hills youths will become safer drivers after each receiving a $295 defensive driving course through the Anthony and Travis Hall Memorial Fund.
The fund was created in memory of former Upwey Junior Fire Brigade members Anthony, 15 and Travis, 13, who were killed in a road accident in Cocktoo almost 20 years ago.
They were sons of the Upwey Fire Brigade’s then first lieutenant Peter Hall and wife Liz.
The fund was established to provide young adults of the volunteer fire service in the Dandenongs and the local community the opportunity to participate in the Level 1 Defensive Driving Course.
It is managed by prominent members of the fire service and the community, including Peter Hall, Cr Graeme Legge, Bob Horner, Geoff Champion and convenor Peter Marke, in conjunction with the Upwey Brigade.
This year’s recipients are Tamara Gear from the Upwey Fire Brigade, Jenny Pain from the Clematis Fire Brigade, Jordan Diluzio from the Olinda Fire Brigade, Selby resident Jayde Netherclift, Kallista resident Belinda Hogg, Kalorama resident Sam Hamer and Cockatoo resident Alexia George.
Mr Marke said it was fantastic that the fund was able to continue helping young adults in learning road safety and driver awareness.
“Over the years, we’ve been responsible for having many young adults undertake this excellent course,” he said.
“This group all wrote impressive applications, which demonstrated a keen interest in improving their driving skills.
“I only wish there were many more young people that pursue these courses because they’re so critical and so relevant to their ability to understand the dangers of driving today.
“As convenor of the fund I congratulate them and look forward to doing it again next year and hope to get more applications.”
Mr Marke said the Upwey Fire Brigade members and Fund Management Committee will continue to provide the courses annually, after 17 years of success.
He urged brigades and the community to consider donating to the fund to enable even more courses to be provided.
