Thursday, November 20, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Community Collaborates For Road Safety Education

Proserpine State High School has partnered with Whitsunday Regional Council, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and its school Parents and Citizen’s Association to deliver a Defensive Driving Course for their Year 11 and 12 students.

The valuable practical and theoretical knowledge delivered to students focuses on hazard perception, vehicle handling, and safe decision-making under pressure, skills that are considered essential for reducing risks on the road.

Adding a meaningful local connection, the course was facilitated by Declan Coull, a former Proserpine State High School graduate who has since established himself in the field of driver education as Director of Advanced Defensive Driving Australia.

Principal Don McDermid of Proserpine State High School said working in partnership with stakeholders and Declan served as a reminder of the strong community ties that continue to support local youth beyond graduation.

“It’s great to re-connect with Declan and see the values we pride ourselves on instilling at school continue to make a meaningful impact and change within our community,” he said.

“This initiative demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when community organisations work together towards a common goal to support our youth.”

Mr Coull commented on how positive his interactions with the students had been.

“They have been very respectful, with high value placed on the partnership between schools and the greater community,” he said.

Rotary Club of Airlie Beach President Jan Clifford OAM said the club members were very proud to be partnering with the initiative.

“It’s so important to support the safety of our young people,” she said.

Principal McDermid expressed his appreciation to all partners involved in facilitating and making the course affordable for students and reaffirmed the school’s dedication to fostering strong community connections that assists in catering for students’ needs outside the school gates.

PSHS Principal Don McDermid with Year 11 and 12 students along with Whitsunday Regional Council and Rotary Club of Airlie Beach representative Jan Clifford OAM and Advanced Defensive Driving Australia Director Declan Coull. Photo supplied

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