Our first Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Councils

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are the first NSW local governments to become Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Councils. It's all in partnership with the Safer Australian Roads And Highways (SARAH) Group, who together have signed an Memorandum of Understanding, committing to working together to improve road safety across the region. The SARAH Group was founded by Peter Frazer OAM, whose 23-year-old daughter Sarah was killed by a distracted truck driver on the Hume Freeway in 2012. Mr Frazer established National Road Safety Week the following year, which is now recognised annually by federal, state and local governments across Australia. It's National Road Safety Week this week, which began on 11 May and ends Sunday, 18 May. The SARAH Group seeks to improve road safety outcomes through policy development, community education, advocacy and collaboration with community and government organisations. Parkes Shire Council's Director of Operations Logan Hignett said the councils are excited for this opportunity to improve road safety outcomes in regional NSW. "We have been participating in National Road Safety Week for the past decade and believe the partnership with Peter and the SARAH Group will enhance our road safety activities and outcomes - not just during National Road Safety Week but every day," he said. "Road deaths and crashes have significant economic, health and societal impacts." "The endorsement of the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Council MOU signifies our dedication to advancing road safety goals in collaboration with reputable organisations like SARAH." Mr Hignett said through this partnership, they will implement initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, including public awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements and collaborating with stakeholders. SARAH Group President Peter Frazer said the SARAH Group's intention is to utilise their policy and road safety advocacy skills to help the councils identify and lobby for improved road safety outcomes within their and surrounding LGAs. “Safer Australian Roads And Highways is extremely excited to be working with the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils because of their proven and dedicated commitment to improving road safety, not only for their locals, but for all who travel through their communities," Mr Frazer said. “Given that two thirds of NSW’s death and serious injuries occur in our regional communities, it is more important than ever to improve our roads and how we use them to get everyone home safe. "I couldn’t be prouder of each of these Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Councils and I thank them sincerely for their great leadership." This year's National Road Safety Week highlights the impact of road trauma and how to reduce it. During the week road users have been encouraged to take the pledge to “Drive So Others Survive” - including not being distracted while driving, not speeding and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The three councils have recognised National Road Safety Week with staff wearing yellow lapel ribbons, proudly displaying yellow ribbon stickers on their fleet vehicles, hosting staff information sessions about mobile phones and driving, lighting up Forbes Town Hall and the monument at Memorial Hill in Parkes yellow and more. Lapel ribbons and vehicle stickers are available for free for the community to collect from the councils' administration offices. You can sign the pledge to "Drive So Others Survive” online at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.