As the Mundoonan Driver Reviver program marks its 20th year of operation in 2017, program organisers say volunteer numbers are decreasing and additional help from Yass Valley is needed to ensure the safety program’s viability.
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Julie Crump, administrator of the Lions Club of Bowning and District, said she was concerned about dwindling volunteer numbers.
“We’re struggling to find new, younger members and volunteers. The guys who’ve been doing it for 20 years can’t do it forever,” she said.
Since Easter 1997, Yass community groups have been managing the dual Mundoonan rest sites on the Hume Highway, about 10 kilometres east of the Barton Highway interchange.
During high-traffic holiday periods in those years, there were no fatal accidents requiring Yass Valley emergency services.
However, since 2012, the number of organisations involved in Mundoonan’s management and Driver Reviver operations has decreased to only two: the Lions Club of Bowning and Yass SES. They are supported by volunteer operators from local fire brigades and community organisations. Maintaining the safety of drivers on the Hume Highway was paramount, Ms Crump said.
The guys who’ve been doing it for 20 years can’t do it forever.
- Julie Crump, Bowning Lions Club administrator
Sharing her sentiment is founding member of the program and experienced Yass SES volunteer John Hedges. He told the Tribune that, in his memory, no Hume Highway fatal accidents had occurred in the local 100km section in the past 20 years.
Similarly, Bowning Lions member Bob Richardson said he would like to see that trend continue. “There is a strong number of drivers who said they regularly looked forward to the break encouraged by the Mundoonan rest sites,” he said.
Organisers will hold a barbecue at Riverbank Park on April 30 from 11.30am to mark the program’s 20th anniversary and to gain support to ensure the Driver Reviver site continues. To express interest in the event:
- Julie Crump, Bowning Lions Club, 0403 698 879
- John Hedges, Yass SES, 0428 581 480