Our Creating Capable Communities (CCC) team have been working with Wallaroo Primary School to put the brakes on ‘hooning’ in Hastings.
As part of student leadership program, Map Your World, CCC has been working with students at Wallaroo Primary School to identify issues that impact them, and their communities, and then doing something about it.
Students calling themselves ‘the Wallaroo Warriors’, surveyed classmates and identified that unsafe driving around the school grounds was a major concern amongst their peer group, then consulted as to how to resolve it.
The ‘Warriors’ then presented their findings to the school community and Councillors at Mornington Peninsula Shire. Council has undertaken their own investigation into bad driver behaviour by monitoring traffic flow, driver speed and conducted a signage audit.
As a result to this process a road safety team are to install electronic VMS signs to curb and modify driver behaviour. Council will also install additional children warning signs, as well as replace any missing 40km/h speed limit signs.
Family Life CCC Community Development Leader, Aly Madden, said:
“This is a great initiative. The kids have really put their heart and soul into this project and you can see by the results that it has been worthwhile.”
“The voices of young people are often ignored, however, this program helps young people understand that their work and opinions matter.”
“The program helps kids explore issues that matter to them and teach them that they are capable of bringing about positive change.”
Wallaroo Warrior and program participant, Tayla, said:
“It was really cool to be involved in a project that has made a real difference.
“I learnt a lot about what you can do if you want to change something in your community. It felt good to be listened to.”
Creating Capable Communities is funded by Department of Social Services under Stronger and Resilient Communities Grants.
For more information about Family Life, this program or how you can get involved please contact communityengagement@familylife.com.au or visit www.familylife.com.au/mapyourworld
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