In December, Launceston City Council launched an innovative educational resource designed to help newly arrived migrants with cycling and road safety. As the second module in a series of three, ‘Getting Around Safely – module 2’ is an initiative of the Launceston Community Road Safety Partnership (CRSP). It was created in partnership with the Institute of TAFE Tasmania to address a need highlighted by the Migrant Resource Centre.
The centre identified the road safety needs of the growing number of newly arrived migrants and refugees to Launceston, particularly in the areas of pedestrian and bicycle safety and road rules generally.
Module 1, which was launched in 2006, focused on pedestrians and road safety, while Module 2 builds on the literacy and cultural awareness gained through this module and focuses on cycling and road safety.
Launceston Mayor, Albert van Zetten, said newly arrived migrants and refugees are valued members of the community.
“As such, it is important that we respond to their identified needs,” he said. “In this way, the whole community benefits from increased cycling and road safety awareness.”
The modules comprise a hard copy booklet, including teachers/facilitators’ notes and activity sheets, as well as a CD Rom containing flashcards to be used in class or group situations and an electronic copy of the manual so that copies of activity sheets can be made.
The resource will assist facilitators, teachers, community development staff and volunteers working with recently arrived people across Tasmania and is designed to complement any wider road safety education program.
Team Leader Languages at TAFE Tasmania, Vicki Waker, said Tasmania enjoys a positive reputation for supporting and welcoming refugees to the State.
“These types of initiatives demonstrate our commitment to improving services for humanitarian entrants to Tasmania,” she said. “TAFE will continue to support their broad social needs and learning outcomes.”
Through the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, the Tasmanian Government has committed $795,000 over three years to consolidate the work of participating CRSP communities and explore strategies to expand the program to new community partnerships across Tasmania.
“The alliance between Launceston City Council and TAFE Tasmania will continue to provide resources that will encourage those with limited experience of the State’s road rules to push through the barriers and pursue their personal and professional goals,” Vicki Walker said.
Module 3, Attaining a Driver’s Licence, will be the final module and is scheduled for completion in the near future.
For further information contact Lisa Mies at Launceston City Council on (03) 6323 3111.
