By Derek Schlennstedt
Over two decades have passed since Peter Hall’s two teenage sons; Anthony and Travis were tragically killed in a Cockatoo car accident.
From that tragedy came a defensive driving course set up by Peter to curb the road toll and perpetuate the memory of his sons.
This year marked two decades since the inception of the Anthony and Travis Hall Memorial Driver Education Fund, and on 12 December three young CFA members were given the opportunity to improve their driving skills.
Jody Yandle, Convenor of the Anthony and Travis Hall Memorial Fund, presented young CFA members James Gluskie and Jesse Heymann with the award.”
It’s an important year being twenty year since the fund first began,” Ms Yandle said.
I would like to thank you both for applying and congratulate you on being chosen … I hope you enjoy your time with Murcotts, because it is a great experience and I’m sure you’ll come out of it better drivers and safer drivers.”
The Memorial Education Fund, in partnership with Murcotts Driving Excellence, provides young drivers with a number of safe driving courses, which are valued around $300 apiece.
Combined with the work of local identity Peter Marke and sponsorship from businesses and residents, in its twenty years the drivers fund has seen around just over 100 drivers take on the course and learn how to navigate dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.
The Mail spoke to Peter Hall who said the important message for young drivers was that the learning process never stopped, and was grateful that the fund was continuing to help young drivers navigate the road.
“We started off small, getting a few through, but we’ve started getting support not just from brigades but individuals and businesses up in the hills, and it’s gradually snowballed on from there,” Mr Hall said.
“But I have to give credit to peter Marke there’s no way it’d be where it is now without him.
“It’s really going now, we’ve got Jodie on board and coming up with some new ideas, so it’s great and really firing.”
Both 19-year-old recipients Jesse Heymann and James Gluskie said they looked forward to taking part in the driving course.
