The Rotary’s U Turn the Wheel program mentors students in Year 11 at local high schools on vital road rules and driver and passenger safety, Rotary Club Camden president Gary Ireland said.
“The program covers all aspects of road safety, including understanding the legislation relating to the use of motor vehicles, motor vehicle maintenance and limitations with driving heavy vehicles,” Mr Ireland said.
Among students taking part in the program have experienced or knew someone they lost or suffered serious injuries due to collisions on the road, Mr Ireland said.
The foundation funded the Rotary’s initiative because it plays a significant role in promoting road safety and responsible driving among young drivers in the Macarthur region.
The Camden Rotary Club has been facilitating a series of youth focused programs aimed at reducing fatal road accidents and trauma on victims.
Transport for NSW latest road crash analysis showed 312 lives lost and a staggering 9,582 drivers and passengers seriously injured on the state’s roads in the last 12 months.
Since 1999 the IMB Foundation has supported more than 900 grassroots community organisations with $12M so far to deliver meaningful and impactful support programs for their communities, IMB Bank chief executive Robert Ryan said.
This year, the recipients were 55 not-for-profit community organisations, including Camden’s Rotary Club, and those from across Greater Sydney region, the Hunter, Illawarra, South Coast, and Canberra.
“Australians have faced many challenges in recent years and community organisations are providing the on-the-ground support for people when they need it most,” Mr Ryan said.
“It is a privilege to support volunteers and organisations that donate their time, energy and care to help others.”
The foundation has committed a further $700,000 for community projects aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease, supporting women and children escaping domestic violence, food relief for disadvantaged people, environment and sustainability initiatives, youth skills and education, support for multicultural communities and volunteer services.
To find out more about the IMB Bank Community Foundation grant program, visit https://www.imb.com.au/community.
