Spirit, TAC team up for road safety push

THE Transport Accident Commission has entered a two-year deal with local WNBL side Bendigo Spirit.

As part of the agreement, the State Government-backed TAC will deliver road safety messages at Spirit home games at Red Energy Arena as well as via the club’s broadcast and social media channels.

The move comes as the City of Bendigo area has recorded four road fatalities so far this year, with 22 killed in the wider Loddon Mallee region, up seven from this time in 2021.

Deputy-Premier and Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, made the announcement at the Spirit’s home court last week.

“It is critical that we continue to engage with regional Victorians on key road safety issues,” she said.

“This partnership is a great way to remind Bendigo locals how they can keep themselves and others safe.

“Sadly, with the number of people dying on our roads climbing, we are pleading with Bendigo motorists to heed the warning and slow down, it’s up to all of us to make our roads safe.”

Spirit player Kelly Wilson put her support behind the partnership and said she understands the importance of taking part in road safety messaging.

“Any initiative that goes towards improving road safety in Victoria, and in particular regional areas, is critical and one that my teammates and I are dedicated to help promote with the TAC,” she said.

“As elite athletes we spend considerable time on our roads travelling to and from trainings and games.

“We understand how important safe driving behaviours are and aim to engage with young Victorians to promote road safety through sport.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind our communities to take care when travelling on the roads, especially after the recent weather events and also heading into the holiday season.”