Shepparton leads the way in road safety

Participants donned yellow to shine a light on road safety, many sharing first-hand accounts of how road trauma had affected their lives.

Among the speakers was Sharon O’Dwyer, who movingly recounted the tragic loss of her son Mathew in a road crash.

“Planning your trips and making safe choices isn’t optional,” she told the crowd.

“It could the difference between life and death.”

Sergeant Nathan Trimby of Victoria Police emphasised that most road collisions were preventable.

“Too often, we see crashes caused by poor decisions — speeding, distraction, fatigue,” he said.

“These are all choices.”

The event was hosted by Michael Dale of Shepparton Search and Rescue, who underscored the wider community impact of road trauma.

“This stuff has a ripple effect,” he said.

“It hits our footy clubs, our schools, our workplaces — and, most deeply, our loved ones.”

Zora Marco, representing the Starting Out Safely program, delivered an important presentation on child car seat safety, stressing the need to keep children in age-appropriate restraints.

“Using the right seat can save a life,” she said.

The day concluded with a poignant 1km community walk led by the Victoria Police Pipe Band, a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance.

Mayor Shane Sali praised council’s leadership in road safety advocacy.

“Being the first council to flagship this initiative with Amber Community is not only an honour, but a responsibility,” he said.

“It’s arguably one of the most important issues we can champion — especially for our youth.”