Neighbourhood Watch drives safe, supports “coffee with a cop”

NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch (NHW) Surf Coast has wrapped up its senior driver education seminars and is now inviting the community to have “coffee with a cop” next week.

The initiative aims to provide local police with the opportunity to talk to the community about issues that are causing concern around safety and security in Torquay.

“Many in our community do not get many opportunities to come face-to-face with the ‘local law’ and as a result, may have past less than positive communications,” event organisers Gail Price and Tanya McPhail said.

“This event will provide a positive experience to seek answers first-hand surrounding a wide plethora of issues.”

The “coffee with a cop session”, with complimentary coffee sponsored by McCartney Real Estate, is scheduled to be held at the annexe at Frontbeach Cafe, Torquay, on Tuesday, July 27 from at 11am-noon. Seating is limited to 40 people.

The Seniors Safer Driving Seminars, led by the Surf Coast Shire and ending earlier this month, aimed to give seniors the confidence, together with a very good understanding of the updated road rules, to keep us safe and secure, while driving in their senior years.

NHW Surf Coast co-ordinator David Cheatley was one of many local seniors to take part in the seminar.

“I have gained a better understanding of the rules, obtained many valued tips, and valued the feedback from the seminar co-ordinator Sue Leavesley, attendees and the valued Hawthorn Community House ‘Wiser Driver’ handouts,” he said.

The free course, held for two hours a week over four weeks, was restricted to a maximum of 20 people per session to encourage interaction.

“There are no catches such as ‘maybe they will take my licence away from me if I do badly,’ but a very

positive and supportive course giving a deal of confidence and autonomy in staying on the road,” Mr Cheatley said.

Inspector Aaron Riches from the Surf Coast Police Area said Victoria Police encouraged and supported seniors to attend the sessions, which were managed by the shire’s age friendly officer Rose Salvo.

“With increasing residential growth and evolving road legislation changes, these seminars provide the perfect platform to unpack any issues or themes or concerns our community might have,” he said.

“The driving seminars also help build driver confidence. We know confident drivers are safer drivers and together we hope to help our seniors maintain their independence and stay on our roads.”

NHW Surf Coast also recommends heading to the RACV and VicRoads websites for more senior safer driving tips.

Any groups interested in conducting their own seminars can phone Dawn Harper at Hawthorn Community House on 03 9819 2629.

For more information, email Rose Salvo at [email protected] or phone 0428 438 190.