By PETER DOUGLAS
ONE of the Dandenong Ranges’ most important driver safety initiatives is under threat due to a lack of interest.
Participant complacency on the Anthony and Travis Hall Driver Education Memorial Fund is threatening its long-term viability, with a lack of applications sparking a call for support from the fund’s dedicated committee of management.
Since starting 21 years ago, the fund, in partnership with Murcotts Driving Excellence, has helped to spread an important message to young drivers in the Dandenong Ranges, through offering recipients the chance to participate in a Level One Defensive Driving Course valued at $295.
But, despite committee members working diligently on the fund, it has been in decline for some years.
Fund convenor, Peter Marke, said they would fight to keep the initiative active within the Dandenong Ranges communities.
“We’ll keep this going, which means so much to the community and to those involved, but it’s really disappointing to see the lack of interest,” he said.
“It was very, very popular when it first started.
“Take the time to fill out an application – we know younger people are busier than ever before with academic and social pursuits, but the benefits should be obvious.”
Mr Marke said the fund was too important to ignore.
“I’ve been working with the fund since day one,” he said.
“On many occasions, drivers in the Dandenong Ranges have learnt skills which have helped them out of danger.
“It’s proven how much these courses have helped our youth.”
The fund helps to perpetuate the memories of Anthony and Travis Hall, who were killed in a tragic car accident in Cockatoo.
The teenagers, aged 15 and 13 respectively, died on 4 January, 1995.
They had accepted a lift to a milk bar from a friend, who failed to negotiate a bend and crashed into a tree.
Anthony and Travis were the sons of the then senior Upwey Fire Brigade’s First Lieutenant Peter Hall and wife, Liz.
Both were Upwey Junior Fire Brigade members, with Anthony being the Junior Captain when the accident occurred.
Peter Hall told the ‘Mail’ last year that he continued to mark the anniversary of the crash each year, when he visited the crash site to lay flowers.
“It’s the only time I ever go near there,” he said.
He said one of the silver linings of the boys’ death was the fund.
Applications for this year’s program close on Friday, 26 August.
To be eligible, applicants must be over 18 years of age, own their vehicle and reside in the Dandenong Ranges.
For the fund, the Dandenong Ranges area is defined as: Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook (west to east), Kalorama and Silvan (north), and from Wellington Road and Boundary Road, Narre Warren (southern boundary).
Applications can be forwarded to Melisa Hepworth – Executive Officer – Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group – 30-32 Main Street, Upwey Victoria 3158.
