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Some wonderful feedback from the Maitland community presentation in support of Rural Road Safety Month. September 2022

"Hi Michelle, last night my son and I attended your Roadwhyz presentation and I just wanted to say thank you so much for such an informative night. As I listened to you talk about your beloved boys and their accident I couldn't hold back the tears and I certainly wasn't alone. You are an inspiration and are doing a wonderful job spreading the message of safe driving to the young (and old) drivers out there.

I wish this presentation was a compulsory part of every person getting their licence. I was disappointed to not see more people there, I think its so important for everyone to hear these real life stories and while some of the photos were very confronting i feel it got the message out loud and clear.

My son doesn't have his L's just yet but when I saw this advertised and we could attend the session I thought it'd be a great opportunity to get in early and teach him some valuable lessons.

Keep up the great work 💕

I will also be telling everyone on my Facebook and my sons mates parents that I talk to because it's so important with them all getting L's soon. It also made me want to look at my own bad habits and be more careful because its easy to get complacent and think itd never happen to me, but hearing your heartbreaking story proves it can happen to anyone.

I learnt so much as did my son, he actually wasn't keen on going because he isn't driving yet and didn't think he needed too but we had a great discussion on the way home and he really took it all in. he's realized driving isn't as easy as he thinks"

Feedback from our recent community event in Newcastle supporting Rural Road Safety Month. September 2022

Sarah R.

I was in attendance at last night's presentation with my 16 year old daughter and am still in awe Michelle of your bravery yet touched by your passion to help young ones! The passion and my gratitude extends to the other amazing team members who participate in the presentation.

The reality of context and discussion topics needs to be talked about. Driving is a privilege!

I thank you so very much for sharing your story with a purpose of helping others, as heartbreaking and as raw as it must be each and every time!

I would love to see ROADwhyz introduced as a mandatory program in high schools, for drivers or passengers, we all have responsibilities. I will be sure to tell everyone that cares to listen just how important this program is and that given an opportunity they should attend.

Student feedback - Hunter Sports High 11/10/22 

The question: ​What aspects of the ROADwhyz program did you find most helpful and interesting?  explain why. 

Student response: "How raw honest, upfront/confronting the information was and that it was from authority and first hand experiences, nothing was sugar coated" 

" the pictures and video along with the explained flow on effect after a n accident, on family, friends, first responders were the key messages that had the most impact on me" 

The questions: Has this program changed your way of thinking when it comes to getting behind the wheel? 

Response: "Yes, more cautious and to speak up as a passenger" I rate this program extremely important 10/10

Student Feedback West Wallsend High 3/5/2022

Email Message: Hello, My name is Rhys and i was apart of the program that was on at West Wallsend High School on May 3rd. I would like to say that this program has completely changed my life and opinion about road safety. You guys really showed me how much i need to cherish every second i have with my family. Thank you for this program and to Michelle if she sees this message. I am so incredibly sorry for what happened to your 2 teenagers and i am wishing the absolute best with the next schools you visit. Wishing everyone who was apart of the program the best 👍👍👍

TEACHER FEEDBACK Kotara High

Hi Michelle,

Thank you so much for having us and for an amazing presentation. I very much appreciate all your organisation along with you sharing your story with all of us on Friday afternoon. A powerful and inspiring presentation that forces all of us to reflect on the current choices we make on the roads and understand the consequences attached. Incredibly moving. Thanks again Michelle

Regards,

Scott Shephard, Head Teacher Secondary Studies, Kotara High School

TEACHER FEEDBACK 23/3/18

Hi Michelle,

What you do is stir up emotions that often have been repressed about an issue with the students so the big picture - you actually do them a favour as we always bring our counsellor and she discusses it with them. Believe me its a positive thing rather than you making someone cry.

You treat the students like adults and tell them what the reality is and they so need to hear it. We love this start to our Crossroads program because it gets there attention and they start thinking about other people not just themselves, and that is so powerful. Our themes for our Crossroads are gratitude, empathy and mindfulness and your presentation starts this off perfectly. I came home and hugged my son on Friday because he has been driving me mad with little things lately- don't sweat the small stuff Heather !!!!!!!

Our 2 new staff who haven't seen the presentation were blown away by how powerful and important it was for all to hear.

I know it takes its toll on you personally and please you need to look after you, (if you ever need a break like Paul you have your clip that you can show if needed), but I truly believe your ROADwhyz presentation saves lives and stays with everyone who sees it. I also loved seeing your powerpoint of your boys this year. That was very special for you to share this.

Take care and thanks for all that you do to try to keep our young people safe.

Kind Regards

Heather

Heather Arms

PDHPE Teacher

Whitebridge High School

SEPTEMBER 2017

10 years of changing young driver behaviour through education

The ROADwhyz young driver education program is celebrating 10 years of delivering its powerful message to young drivers in the Hunter Region. Yesterday, the ROADwhyz team, who has presented the program to approximately 40,000 students so far, held their 10 year anniversary Choice and Consequence program at Francis Greenway High School at Beresfield. This was the 6th time the ROADwhyz team had visited the high school and Principal Jo Edwards said that it was

The ROADwhyz Choice & Consequence program is designed for young drivers (17 - 25 years) in Year 11 and 12 and is the only one of its kind in the area. The program, which is delivered by local Highway Patrol Officers, Ambulance Officers and a mother who lost two sons in a motor vehicle crash, prompts young people to consider the impact their behaviour has on others including, family, friends and the broader community.

Harmonie Attwill, Head Teacher PDHPE said "the program triggers emotion and empathy and helps students put themselves in other people's shoe's, while the students said that it was "hard hitting and real, but good and informative".

Young drivers represent one-quarter of all Australian road deaths, but make up only 10 - 15 per cent of the licensed driver population. The biggest killer among young drivers is speed and approximately 80 per cent of those killed are male. The ROADwhyz program aims to reduce road trauma among young drivers, by educating them about key road safety issues including speed, drink driving, driver distraction and other issues specific to young drivers, such as risk-taking behaviour and peer pressure. Harmonie Attwill said "this type of program really compliments the road safety education delivered in schools as part of the curriculum".

The ROADwhyz team are proud of the last 10 years and look forward to many more. Their key message is simple: 'It can happen to you; road safety is in your hands,. If you would like more information, please contact Michelle email at roadwhyz@hotmail.com.

Newcastle Knights Junior Squad 16th August 2017

Hi Michelle and Team

Thank you so much for coming and delivering your talk to our junior players. This presentation is such a timely reminder for road safety and the consequences of not making the right choices on the road. I applaud you and your team for being able to present such an honest and tragic story that will make them think every time they get into a car.

Mathew Morriss - Welfare & Education Coordinator - Newcastle Knights

Feedback from participants who attended:

Kellie

I felt it was a strong and powerful message which had me in tears within the first 5 minutes. I definitely believe this is a presentation that all young drivers and their parents should experience.

Jaron

It was very moving because it was told from a mother's perspective which you never hear that and don't want to put your family through the tough situation.


Hunter Valley Grammar School 22nd August 2017

ROADwhyz has been a feature on our Wellbeing Calendar now for many years, and we will continue to welcome Michelle and her team for years to come. The program which is presented is confronting for students and staff, and has a very personal touch to it which only Michelle can bring. It is all done with sensitivity, but with a clear purpose – to have students make good choices when driving. The students are literally moved to tears in many cases, but we have staff on hand to support them. Having representatives from NSW Police and Ambulance on hand is an added bonus, as they have their own stories to tell.


Greg Robinson | Head of Students, Senior School

Hunter Valley Grammar School


Cecil Hills High Feedback

Hi Michelle,

I just want to thank you for the amazing presentation last week. I was going to send this earlier but I wanted to speak to a few students after a couple days to see how they felt once the initial shock of the day had worn off. I am glad to say that the response from the students has been even better than I had hoped. I was teaching my year 12 PDHPE class last week and as part of a discussion about health promotion one of the girls brought up your presentation. For the rest of the lesson the students spoke (unprompted) about the impact that the day had on them and how powerful the message was. There were a number of drivers who said they had already thought deeply about their driving and have made changes already. Others who said that they were going to avoid getting in the car with certain people and one girl who texted her parents during the presentation to tell them she loved them because they had argued that morning.


The class consensus was that all drivers - not just young drivers should attend this presentation.

So again, thank you and the other presenters for sharing your heartbreak for the benefit of our students. I cannot even comprehend the courage it must take for you to do so. If you plan on making the trip south again next year we would definitely like to bring our next year group along.

I have copied and pasted some feedback that I received from the staff members that attended. Please feel free to use any of it with my details if you wish.

Staff feedback:

"My group were very sombre when we returned to the classroom. Willing to talk and share their ideas on the road rules that are placed upon them. We discussed road crashes they had been in/ experienced and some students felt terrified to get behind the wheel. We talked about the fact that it so important to have the independence of being able to drive and the crucial fact that if we ALL drive sensibly, the road will be a much safer place.

One thing that was very evident was that they now REALLY understood the purpose of the log book and why all those hours of driving experience are so important in conditioning them to in being able to drive to the road conditions. Such a worthwhile experience. I am sure that there were at least 160 students (plus 8 teachers) who went home yesterday, with a very different perspective on driving.

We had a good discussion about the presentation and the kids felt it was powerful and everyone needs to see it. They said it would make them think again about the choices they make. Very much one of the more poignant and important messages we must deliver to our students"

"Fantastic idea worth repeating".

"Thanks for the opportunity to be there. My group took the reflection exercise very seriously and gave good insight on the presentation and its effects"

"I am still recovering from todays presentation. Travelling home from my daughters soccer training tonight, i drove past a motor vehicle accident - two cars involved (ambo, police on the scene) and straight away my mind is firing "hope there was no fatality".


Thanks again,

Michael Lane

Cecil Hills High School Year 12 Adviser PDHPE Faculty

Cecil Hills High Feedback- 10/3/16

Name : Sailash

Message : Dear Michelle and the team,

Michelle, I am really sorry for your loss. I am hoping and praying that todays school group presentation at Bankstown Sport Club will make a difference to the young minds behind the wheels of their vehicles. I cannot thank you enough for the effort you are making and the courage with which you did that presentation.

Best wishes. Sailash Cecil Hills High School


Another student said......

"Such a powerful wake up call.... I HIGLY recommend this presentation.... It give you the different point of views about road safety and the consequences of not making the right choices on the road. This presentation is the BEST I have ever been to....."


Moorebank High Newsletter to parents following the ROADwhyz presentation on the 10th March 2016


RoadWhyz Excursion- On Thursday 10.3.16, Year 11 students attended the RoadWhyz presentation at Bankstown Sports Club. RoadWhyz is a volunteer run organisation that aims to teach young people about the importance of being a safe driver. Students heard from an experienced paramedic about the day to day impact attending motor vehicle crashes has had on his life. They heard how the loss of life impacts a mother from Michelle. Michelle lost her two sons in a road accident when the older brother lost control of the car, killing the two teenagers on impact. Through Michelle, they heard how the accident has impacted the younger sister they left behind and their friends. A police officer reminded students of the legal consequences of unsafe driving. It was a powerful lesson for students in realising their choices have consequences that reach beyond their own lives. Many students, male and female, were moved to tears by the testimonies of the paramedic and Michelle. To hear how their lives have changed by the choices people had made was powerful. Our hope is that the message from the excursion will stay with students and hopefully save lives well into the future.


A few students have shared their “take home” message, which shows the value of the excursion.

“A lot of stuff can happen in the blink of an eye or just sending a text (when driving). I learnt that you should never take your eyes off the road because you can lose your life or limbs or even your family. I learnt about the pain of a mother losing her kids and how hurt they (family and friends) all were. The sister’s strength in coping with the loss of her two brothers. Don’t ever exceed the speed limit, watch where you go and never drink and drive” – Tahlia

“After seeing visual representations of what would happen to ourselves or our passengers upon impact of a car crash, we view driver safety as an important factor as soon as we step into a car. We are now also more aware of our bad choices/decisions, which not only affect us but greatly affect our family and close friends. This program also opened our eyes to the real consequences of bad decisions on the roads, whether it be death, serious injury, mental trauma as well as a suspension from driving or loss of demerit points. What we will take from this experience is a higher level of consciousness when driving and the decisions we make. Never drink and drive or text, never speed and always think about those that love you.” – Aleisha and Jessie


“After today, I learnt that my decisions on the road impact more than myself. It impacts my family and friends. The consequences they will have to deal with due to my actions.” – Jayden


“Speak up as a passenger. Stay under the speed limit. Drive to the conditions. As a driver be cautious about the passenger’s safety.” – Keiran


“Always obey road rules. 100% focus when driving with other people in the car as you are responsible if anything happens.” – Daniel


“To always speak up when I feel my life is at risk (as a passenger), to follow road rules and never drive when I am not physically and/or mentally up to it.” – Kayla


As a teacher, this would have to be one of the most beneficial excursions I have ever supervised. The factual information was significant enough to cause change in students’ behaviour. However, seeing students comprehend how a few seconds of intended fun can turn to lifelong tragedy and heartache for those they love (and themselves) was clearly evident.

The students were amazing on the day. They showed respect to the presenters and consoled their friends who were extremely saddened by the stories they were hearing. A big thank you to Ms Eathorne who organised the excursion and the SASS staff for their help in the administration of the event (especially Mrs Lockwood). Thank you to Mr Mitchell, Ms Xenakis and Ms Nguyen for attending.

Ms Cassie Debreczeni – HT PDHPE


Feedback from Moorebank High 10th March 2016

"Hi Michelle,

Just wanted to message you to say thank you so much for today. I don't work Thursday's but was trying to get a babysitter for my kids so I could still come, however everything fell through. I would have loved to have met you. Regardless my phone has been buzzing all day with messages about how powerful, moving and successful the day was. Our students were truly moved and this message will stay with them for a long time to come. These days it seems to take more and more to try and get a message through to them and we are so appreciative that you and your team have taken the time and strength to deliver a program so close to your hearts. Below I include the newsletter article going home to parents about today's excursion. You can read the statements our students have made about the impact on them.

Once again, thank you and please keep us on your list for next year too. We will absolutely do our best to get more schools on board too"

Kind regards

Belinda PDHPE Teacher Moorebank High School


Feedback from Channel 7 news article - August 2015


HI Michelle,Thank you for your consideration, what you offer is amazing - you have selflessly created a powerful message to

teenagers and shared your experience, you are very courageous. I hope the government does give you funding, you have provided them with a solution to an ever growing problem they

have to manage. Thank you for sharing your experience and bringing realisation to many teenagers. I wish you well.

With kind regards, Deborah G                                      Location: Currumbin, on the southern Gold Coast


Name : Callie

Message : Hi there my name is Callie I attended Newcastle high during my finial year in 2010 I seen roadwhyz I just wanted to let you know I will aways r ember the lesion on that day thank you for making me realise the truth of road safety. I will never forget your story


Jacqui - I have seen this presentation twice, once at this exact hall and once at another school, both times the story hit so hard that it brought me to tears... It is an amazing presentation and should definitely be shown to every high school student who is at driving age...


Tegan - This group came to my high school in 2010; I'm not sure why it is only just making the news! Most powerful thing I had ever attended during high school! Needs to be shown to every student in high school, so they can make decisions about who they get in a car with.


Sarah - We did this at my school in 2004. It hit hard for some kids and was dismissed by a few. Having lost 13 friends in the course of my life due to motor vehicle accidents, I was already well aware of the repercussions of getting behind the wheel, be it that it is not always within your control if another vehicle causes it.

I got my L's when I was 17, I did my hours I knew how to drive. I put off getting my P's for 8yrs, purely because I didn't feel I was ready because of the reality I had already faced, I wasn't interested in having it.

It is such a race these days, to see who of your friends can get their license first. Just because you 'know' how to drive and can pass a driving test, it doesn't mean you are ready for that responsibility mentally. These courses should be part of the process to be able to get your P's. There are other things that I think should be changed to give teenagers the opportunity to become mature drivers without social pressure. The blood alcohol limit may be 0.00 for L's and P's but it does not stop their passengers from being intoxicated. That can be such a distraction. If the drinking age was raised, even a little, it would give young drivers time to adhere to road rules and gain experience. Maybe make the drinking age 20, which is the youngest you can be to get your full license.

Of course, not everyone gets their license straight away, so the drinking age would then be not as complimentary to those peoples skills as such, but the fact that they should likely have a job working side by side with older colleagues might give them more awareness. Yes, there are idiot drivers at every age, but we need to get young driver statistics down and things like this being introduced throughout every school in Australia would be a great start.


Lisa - This should be in every Australian school every child who is old enough to get there L should be made to watch it and again when they get there P's it needs to be drummed into there heads that when getting behind the wheel of a car is a big responsibility and they need to know there are other people on the road as well and what they do while driving effects them and other people on the road


Hi guys,

I attended a seminar at Singleton High School six years ago, I met Michelle & heard her story, as well as the many ambulance & police officers stories, after I walked out of our school hall that day, a part of me changed. i remember it like it was yesterday, I remember a ambulance officer telling us that some of us wouldn't make it to our 21st birthday, weren't they right over the past 6 years I've lost 11 friends to road fatalities, recent one being exactly 3 months ago this Friday I wish a lot of people will be effected like I was that day because then you know the message has gotten to them and it just might save their life or someone else's, young people don't realise that if they are killed in an accident it doesn't only effect their families but the emergency services that have to deal with it, I take my hat off to all emergency service workers, I know when it comes to going home at the end of a shift they cannot switch off what they have seen. Michelle is an inspirational, strong woman I hope her story gets through to everyone she is doing an amazing job🏼 Emmy

TEACHER FEEDBACK 23/3/18

Hi Michelle,

What you do is stir up emotions that often have been repressed about an issue with the students so the big picture - you actually do them a favour as we always bring our counsellor and she discusses it with them. Believe me its a positive thing rather than you making someone cry.

You treat the students like adults and tell them what the reality is and they so need to hear it. We love this start to our Crossroads program because it gets there attention and they start thinking about other people not just themselves, and that is so powerful. Our themes for our Crossroads are gratitude, empathy and mindfulness and your presentation starts this off perfectly. I came home and hugged my son on Friday because he has been driving me mad with little things lately- don't sweat the small stuff Heather !!!!!!!

Our 2 new staff who haven't seen the presentation were blown away by how powerful and important it was for all to hear.

I know it takes its toll on you personally and please you need to look after you, (if you ever need a break like Paul you have your clip that you can show if needed), but I truly believe your ROADwhyz presentation saves lives and stays with everyone who sees it. I also loved seeing your powerpoint of your boys this year. That was very special for you to share this.

Take care and thanks for all that you do to try to keep our young people safe.

Kind Regards

Heather

Heather Arms

PDHPE Teacher

Whitebridge High School

SEPTEMBER 2017

10 years of changing young driver behaviour through education

The ROADwhyz young driver education program is celebrating 10 years of delivering its powerful message to young drivers in the Hunter Region. Yesterday, the ROADwhyz team, who has presented the program to approximately 40,000 students so far, held their 10 year anniversary Choice and Consequence program at Francis Greenway High School at Beresfield. This was the 6th time the ROADwhyz team had visited the high school and Principal Jo Edwards said that it was

The ROADwhyz Choice & Consequence program is designed for young drivers (17 - 25 years) in Year 11 and 12 and is the only one of its kind in the area. The program, which is delivered by local Highway Patrol Officers, Ambulance Officers and a mother who lost two sons in a motor vehicle crash, prompts young people to consider the impact their behaviour has on others including, family, friends and the broader community.

Harmonie Attwill, Head Teacher PDHPE said "the program triggers emotion and empathy and helps students put themselves in other people's shoe's, while the students said that it was "hard hitting and real, but good and informative".

Young drivers represent one-quarter of all Australian road deaths, but make up only 10 - 15 per cent of the licensed driver population. The biggest killer among young drivers is speed and approximately 80 per cent of those killed are male. The ROADwhyz program aims to reduce road trauma among young drivers, by educating them about key road safety issues including speed, drink driving, driver distraction and other issues specific to young drivers, such as risk-taking behaviour and peer pressure. Harmonie Attwill said "this type of program really compliments the road safety education delivered in schools as part of the curriculum".

The ROADwhyz team are proud of the last 10 years and look forward to many more. Their key message is simple: 'It can happen to you; road safety is in your hands,. If you would like more information, please contact Michelle email at roadwhyz@hotmail.com.

Newcastle Knights Junior Squad 16th August 2017

Hi Michelle and Team

Thank you so much for coming and delivering your talk to our junior players. This presentation is such a timely reminder for road safety and the consequences of not making the right choices on the road. I applaud you and your team for being able to present such an honest and tragic story that will make them think every time they get into a car.

Mathew Morriss - Welfare & Education Coordinator - Newcastle Knights

Feedback from participants who attended:

Kellie

I felt it was a strong and powerful message which had me in tears within the first 5 minutes. I definitely believe this is a presentation that all young drivers and their parents should experience.

Jaron

It was very moving because it was told from a mother's perspective which you never hear that and don't want to put your family through the tough situation.


Hunter Valley Grammar School 22nd August 2017

ROADwhyz has been a feature on our Wellbeing Calendar now for many years, and we will continue to welcome Michelle and her team for years to come. The program which is presented is confronting for students and staff, and has a very personal touch to it which only Michelle can bring. It is all done with sensitivity, but with a clear purpose – to have students make good choices when driving. The students are literally moved to tears in many cases, but we have staff on hand to support them. Having representatives from NSW Police and Ambulance on hand is an added bonus, as they have their own stories to tell.


Greg Robinson | Head of Students, Senior School

Hunter Valley Grammar School


Cecil Hills High Feedback

Hi Michelle,

I just want to thank you for the amazing presentation last week. I was going to send this earlier but I wanted to speak to a few students after a couple days to see how they felt once the initial shock of the day had worn off. I am glad to say that the response from the students has been even better than I had hoped. I was teaching my year 12 PDHPE class last week and as part of a discussion about health promotion one of the girls brought up your presentation. For the rest of the lesson the students spoke (unprompted) about the impact that the day had on them and how powerful the message was. There were a number of drivers who said they had already thought deeply about their driving and have made changes already. Others who said that they were going to avoid getting in the car with certain people and one girl who texted her parents during the presentation to tell them she loved them because they had argued that morning.


The class consensus was that all drivers - not just young drivers should attend this presentation.

So again, thank you and the other presenters for sharing your heartbreak for the benefit of our students. I cannot even comprehend the courage it must take for you to do so. If you plan on making the trip south again next year we would definitely like to bring our next year group along.

I have copied and pasted some feedback that I received from the staff members that attended. Please feel free to use any of it with my details if you wish.

Staff feedback:

"My group were very sombre when we returned to the classroom. Willing to talk and share their ideas on the road rules that are placed upon them. We discussed road crashes they had been in/ experienced and some students felt terrified to get behind the wheel. We talked about the fact that it so important to have the independence of being able to drive and the crucial fact that if we ALL drive sensibly, the road will be a much safer place.

One thing that was very evident was that they now REALLY understood the purpose of the log book and why all those hours of driving experience are so important in conditioning them to in being able to drive to the road conditions. Such a worthwhile experience. I am sure that there were at least 160 students (plus 8 teachers) who went home yesterday, with a very different perspective on driving.

We had a good discussion about the presentation and the kids felt it was powerful and everyone needs to see it. They said it would make them think again about the choices they make. Very much one of the more poignant and important messages we must deliver to our students"

"Fantastic idea worth repeating".

"Thanks for the opportunity to be there. My group took the reflection exercise very seriously and gave good insight on the presentation and its effects"

"I am still recovering from todays presentation. Travelling home from my daughters soccer training tonight, i drove past a motor vehicle accident - two cars involved (ambo, police on the scene) and straight away my mind is firing "hope there was no fatality".


Thanks again,

Michael Lane

Cecil Hills High School Year 12 Adviser PDHPE Faculty

Cecil Hills High Feedback- 10/3/16

Name : Sailash

Message : Dear Michelle and the team,

Michelle, I am really sorry for your loss. I am hoping and praying that todays school group presentation at Bankstown Sport Club will make a difference to the young minds behind the wheels of their vehicles. I cannot thank you enough for the effort you are making and the courage with which you did that presentation.

Best wishes. Sailash Cecil Hills High School


Another student said......

"Such a powerful wake up call.... I HIGLY recommend this presentation.... It give you the different point of views about road safety and the consequences of not making the right choices on the road. This presentation is the BEST I have ever been to....."


Moorebank High Newsletter to parents following the ROADwhyz presentation on the 10th March 2016


RoadWhyz Excursion- On Thursday 10.3.16, Year 11 students attended the RoadWhyz presentation at Bankstown Sports Club. RoadWhyz is a volunteer run organisation that aims to teach young people about the importance of being a safe driver. Students heard from an experienced paramedic about the day to day impact attending motor vehicle crashes has had on his life. They heard how the loss of life impacts a mother from Michelle. Michelle lost her two sons in a road accident when the older brother lost control of the car, killing the two teenagers on impact. Through Michelle, they heard how the accident has impacted the younger sister they left behind and their friends. A police officer reminded students of the legal consequences of unsafe driving. It was a powerful lesson for students in realising their choices have consequences that reach beyond their own lives. Many students, male and female, were moved to tears by the testimonies of the paramedic and Michelle. To hear how their lives have changed by the choices people had made was powerful. Our hope is that the message from the excursion will stay with students and hopefully save lives well into the future.


A few students have shared their “take home” message, which shows the value of the excursion.

“A lot of stuff can happen in the blink of an eye or just sending a text (when driving). I learnt that you should never take your eyes off the road because you can lose your life or limbs or even your family. I learnt about the pain of a mother losing her kids and how hurt they (family and friends) all were. The sister’s strength in coping with the loss of her two brothers. Don’t ever exceed the speed limit, watch where you go and never drink and drive” – Tahlia

“After seeing visual representations of what would happen to ourselves or our passengers upon impact of a car crash, we view driver safety as an important factor as soon as we step into a car. We are now also more aware of our bad choices/decisions, which not only affect us but greatly affect our family and close friends. This program also opened our eyes to the real consequences of bad decisions on the roads, whether it be death, serious injury, mental trauma as well as a suspension from driving or loss of demerit points. What we will take from this experience is a higher level of consciousness when driving and the decisions we make. Never drink and drive or text, never speed and always think about those that love you.” – Aleisha and Jessie


“After today, I learnt that my decisions on the road impact more than myself. It impacts my family and friends. The consequences they will have to deal with due to my actions.” – Jayden


“Speak up as a passenger. Stay under the speed limit. Drive to the conditions. As a driver be cautious about the passenger’s safety.” – Keiran


“Always obey road rules. 100% focus when driving with other people in the car as you are responsible if anything happens.” – Daniel


“To always speak up when I feel my life is at risk (as a passenger), to follow road rules and never drive when I am not physically and/or mentally up to it.” – Kayla


As a teacher, this would have to be one of the most beneficial excursions I have ever supervised. The factual information was significant enough to cause change in students’ behaviour. However, seeing students comprehend how a few seconds of intended fun can turn to lifelong tragedy and heartache for those they love (and themselves) was clearly evident.

The students were amazing on the day. They showed respect to the presenters and consoled their friends who were extremely saddened by the stories they were hearing. A big thank you to Ms Eathorne who organised the excursion and the SASS staff for their help in the administration of the event (especially Mrs Lockwood). Thank you to Mr Mitchell, Ms Xenakis and Ms Nguyen for attending.

Ms Cassie Debreczeni – HT PDHPE


Feedback from Moorebank High 10th March 2016

"Hi Michelle,

Just wanted to message you to say thank you so much for today. I don't work Thursday's but was trying to get a babysitter for my kids so I could still come, however everything fell through. I would have loved to have met you. Regardless my phone has been buzzing all day with messages about how powerful, moving and successful the day was. Our students were truly moved and this message will stay with them for a long time to come. These days it seems to take more and more to try and get a message through to them and we are so appreciative that you and your team have taken the time and strength to deliver a program so close to your hearts. Below I include the newsletter article going home to parents about today's excursion. You can read the statements our students have made about the impact on them.

Once again, thank you and please keep us on your list for next year too. We will absolutely do our best to get more schools on board too"

Kind regards

Belinda PDHPE Teacher Moorebank High School


Feedback from Channel 7 news article - August 2015


HI Michelle,Thank you for your consideration, what you offer is amazing - you have selflessly created a powerful message to

teenagers and shared your experience, you are very courageous. I hope the government does give you funding, you have provided them with a solution to an ever growing problem they

have to manage. Thank you for sharing your experience and bringing realisation to many teenagers. I wish you well.

With kind regards, Deborah G                                      Location: Currumbin, on the southern Gold Coast


Name : Callie

Message : Hi there my name is Callie I attended Newcastle high during my finial year in 2010 I seen roadwhyz I just wanted to let you know I will aways r ember the lesion on that day thank you for making me realise the truth of road safety. I will never forget your story


Jacqui - I have seen this presentation twice, once at this exact hall and once at another school, both times the story hit so hard that it brought me to tears... It is an amazing presentation and should definitely be shown to every high school student who is at driving age...


Tegan - This group came to my high school in 2010; I'm not sure why it is only just making the news! Most powerful thing I had ever attended during high school! Needs to be shown to every student in high school, so they can make decisions about who they get in a car with.


Sarah - We did this at my school in 2004. It hit hard for some kids and was dismissed by a few. Having lost 13 friends in the course of my life due to motor vehicle accidents, I was already well aware of the repercussions of getting behind the wheel, be it that it is not always within your control if another vehicle causes it.

I got my L's when I was 17, I did my hours I knew how to drive. I put off getting my P's for 8yrs, purely because I didn't feel I was ready because of the reality I had already faced, I wasn't interested in having it.

It is such a race these days, to see who of your friends can get their license first. Just because you 'know' how to drive and can pass a driving test, it doesn't mean you are ready for that responsibility mentally. These courses should be part of the process to be able to get your P's. There are other things that I think should be changed to give teenagers the opportunity to become mature drivers without social pressure. The blood alcohol limit may be 0.00 for L's and P's but it does not stop their passengers from being intoxicated. That can be such a distraction. If the drinking age was raised, even a little, it would give young drivers time to adhere to road rules and gain experience. Maybe make the drinking age 20, which is the youngest you can be to get your full license.

Of course, not everyone gets their license straight away, so the drinking age would then be not as complimentary to those peoples skills as such, but the fact that they should likely have a job working side by side with older colleagues might give them more awareness. Yes, there are idiot drivers at every age, but we need to get young driver statistics down and things like this being introduced throughout every school in Australia would be a great start.


Lisa - This should be in every Australian school every child who is old enough to get there L should be made to watch it and again when they get there P's it needs to be drummed into there heads that when getting behind the wheel of a car is a big responsibility and they need to know there are other people on the road as well and what they do while driving effects them and other people on the road


Hi guys,

I attended a seminar at Singleton High School six years ago, I met Michelle & heard her story, as well as the many ambulance & police officers stories, after I walked out of our school hall that day, a part of me changed. i remember it like it was yesterday, I remember a ambulance officer telling us that some of us wouldn't make it to our 21st birthday, weren't they right over the past 6 years I've lost 11 friends to road fatalities, recent one being exactly 3 months ago this Friday I wish a lot of people will be effected like I was that day because then you know the message has gotten to them and it just might save their life or someone else's, young people don't realise that if they are killed in an accident it doesn't only effect their families but the emergency services that have to deal with it, I take my hat off to all emergency service workers, I know when it comes to going home at the end of a shift they cannot switch off what they have seen. Michelle is an inspirational, strong woman I hope her story gets through to everyone she is doing an amazing job🏼 Emmy

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