TAC hosts golf clinic for Victorians recovering from road trauma

(L-R) PGA member Jarryd Colliss, who led the session, participant Riley Williams, TAC head of community Jacqui Sampson, TAC client Peter Cesari and Golf Australia senior relationship officer Jake Cole-Sinclair. Photo: SUPPLIED

GOLFING enthusiasts living with a disability or recovering from injury took to the fairways ahead of the Vic Open last week for an all abilities golf clinic.

Hosted by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in partnership with Golf Australia, the clinic was held at 13th Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads on Wednesday last week, offering local golfers a chance to learn from professionals and return to the activities they love.

TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said the golfers who took part had inspirational stories about how technology, combined with courage and determination, has enabled them to reconnect with sport, friends and social networks.

“The TAC knows that for many people, getting back to their everyday life roles is just as important as getting back to work, whether they are a parent, carer, community volunteer or sports club member.

“For people who have been injured or have a permanent disability due to a crash on our roads, we know how important it is for them to get back to the life they want to a lead.

“A big part of that is getting back into the hobbies they always loved or finding new and exciting hobbies.”

According to data from the TAC, 5,238 Victorians were hospitalised due to road trauma in 2023-24.

Of those, 648 were hospitalised for more than two weeks.

To help drive down road trauma, the TAC urges community members to prioritise safety when buying new or used cars, and to buy the safest vehicle they can afford.

For free and independent safety information about your current or next car, head to howsafeisyourcar.com.au

Users can search the website by budget or registration number to instantly find a vehicle’s safety rating and features.