The first Driver Training Day to be staged in the Central West district – focused on giving inexperienced drivers a better understanding of how their car behaves in different driving conditions - has seen over 30 young drivers from as far away as Canowindra take part.
The event was held on a dirt airstrip on private land at Coombing Park neat Mandurama. Land owner George King, who has completed a number of advanced driver training courses and knows full well the importance of having confidence behind the wheel, was only too happy to let his land be used for this purpose. At the end of the day he invited the organisers (Christian Autosports Club of Australia) to come back at any time to run another event and the Club has responded by committing to the staging of a second Driver Training Day in November.
The Driver Training Day was the culmination of more than eight months of preparation and planning by Blayney residents Craig Hingston and Trevor Hibbs - the first CACA members in the Central West, and leaders at Abundant Life Church Blayney which got behind it in a big way.
“We are always looking for practical ways to help our community”, says Craig, “I moved to Blayney last year from Sydney and, as a member of Christian Autosports for many years, I knew that we were looking to take our driver training expertise out to the country areas. So, I asked the Club to consider Blayney district as its first regional venture out west and they agreed. I also presented the idea to the leadership of Abundant Life Church Blayney and they immediately decided to support it as much as they could. In the end that meant handling the organising and promotion of the day, subsidising the entry fees of all of the drivers, purchasing the food and drink, and providing volunteer help and some of the equipment.”
“The ages ranged from 12 years to adult”, adds Trevor, “And they drove everything from hatchbacks to a tray top ute to Landcruiser four wheel drives. Whilst most of the drivers came from Orange, Blayney and Bathurst, others came from as far away as Canowindra and Manildra.”
Christian Autosports Club of Australia, which is more than 30 years old, has been running these events in Sydney for a long time, and conducts driver training events every month. The club has a number of members who have either decades of motor sport experience or who are professional advanced driver trainers. The non-denominational not-for-profit organisation has observed that learner drivers, P-platers, “nervous Mums” and adults of varying ages with all levels of driving experience have benefited from attending.
The Driver Training Day was a “non speed event” to acquire or improve basic driving skills in a “safe and friendly” environment. Normal road going cars manoeuvre around witches hats, markers or flags in a set direction, generally using first gear. Car control is the most important aspect of the day - not speed. One-on-one supervision was provided by the CACA officials.
Drivers received a special one day “Come ‘N Try” licence from the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport which sanctioned the event. Vehicles were inspected by CACA scrutineers for road worthiness.
The drivers followed a series of courses – with such names as Crazy Square and Straight Slalom - marked by witches hats and coloured flags in fenced-off areas along the air strip. With only one vehicle in each area at any one time the worst thing that happened was flipping over a witches hat.
The drivers started the day very cautiously with a number of vehicles steering around the markers at not much more than walking pace. Officials timed them so that they could assess the improvement of each driver throughout the day. Then, they witnessed the State Motorkhana Champion, 15 year old Robyn Annabel, as she took a standard road car and demonstrated how it could be done with a lot of practice.
The demonstration must have helped to build confidence because from then on the drivers became more willing to let their vehicles break traction and understeer or oversteer, as they worked out how to keep them under control. Some managed to improve their times by more than 20 seconds which showed a dramatic improvement in car control. By the end of the day they were all smiles and wanting more runs!
CACA officials led group discussions throughout the day to get valuable feedback from the drivers and to offer advice. One official who coaches government departments on advanced driver safety gave everyone a practical demonstration in how to correctly position yourself in the drivers’ seat, place your feet on the pedals and hold the steering wheel. Simple advice but very worthwhile.
At the close of the day - with most of the drivers indicating with a show of hands that they would like to participate in another Driver Training Day in the future, and their parents in full agreement - the CACA officials presented “Most Improved” awards to three local teenagers who had shown remarkable progress. Attendance certificates are being posted out to each driver.
Craig and Trevor are very thankful for the support they received in preparing the event. It all began when they were introduced to the region’s Road Safety Officer, Iris Dorsett, last year and this led to a presentation of the concept to Blayney Shire Council and police in November 2007. The late Ted Wilson immediately recognised the merit of the program and tasked Council assist with finding a suitable venue. That support continued through the work of new mayor, Scott Ferguson.
“We presented the concept to Newcrest Mines at CADIA and their immediate response was ‘How can we help you?’ As a result, they supplied us with all of the safety bunting and the Portaloos. IGA Blayney assisted with the pricing of the food and drink we ordered. John Davis Motors from Orange gave us the big marquee for the day, and Blayney SES let us use their generator. This support was typical of the response we have received in the district. When I was asking if business operators in Blayney would put up our poster in their window they welcomed the opportunity to provide young and inexperienced drivers with valuable experience in a safe environment. At the same time, the mums and dads who called and emailed me said the same thing”, adds Craig.
“Our intent was to upskill drivers of varying ages and levels of experience, especially L and P platers, so that they gain superior road skills…hopefully minimising the incidence of accident or personal injury”, says Trevor, “We would hope that the ‘graduates’ of our event would become ambassadors for improved driver education in our region, and use positive peer pressure to influence their friends.”
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Guys...No Need To Enrol (!)
A member of the "other gender" sent this to me. Of course, we men have no need for this kind of educating!
Classes for Men at THE ADULT LEARNING CENTRE.
Class 1 "How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step", with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.
Class 2 "The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?" Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.
Class 3 "Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?"--Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.
Class 4 "Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor"--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.
Class 5 "Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?" Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM
Class 6 "Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other". Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM
Class 7 "Learning How To Find Things". Open Forum Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.
Class 8 "Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health" Graphics and Audio Tapes. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.
Class 9 "Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost"--Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined
Class 10 Is It "Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks." Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.
Class 11 "Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife." Online Classes and role-playing Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined
Class 12 "How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion." Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.
Class 13 "How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late." Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.
Class 14 "The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used." Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined. Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.
Classes for Men at THE ADULT LEARNING CENTRE.
Class 1 "How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step", with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.
Class 2 "The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?" Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.
Class 3 "Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?"--Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.
Class 4 "Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor"--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.
Class 5 "Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?" Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM
Class 6 "Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other". Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM
Class 7 "Learning How To Find Things". Open Forum Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.
Class 8 "Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health" Graphics and Audio Tapes. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.
Class 9 "Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost"--Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined
Class 10 Is It "Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks." Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.
Class 11 "Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife." Online Classes and role-playing Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined
Class 12 "How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion." Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.
Class 13 "How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late." Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.
Class 14 "The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used." Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined. Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.
THANKS: IGA BLAYNEY
We would like to offer our thanks to Geoff Bottom and IGA Blayney. Geoff is very community-minded and when we asked for some assistance re a discount for the food and drink we are ordering for the BBQ lunch (included in the registration fee) and to be on sale for spectators...he was quick to say yes. As a result, we'll all be enjoying mouth watering steak sandwiches and sausage sandwiches....washed down with soft drink or bottled water (for the more health conscious).
Jesus.All About Life V8 Ute Driver Invited
Andrew has been approached to run the Jesus. All about life branding on a Fujitsu Supercar at Bathurst. Andrew has avoided the idea of running in the Fujitsu series as he feels that the V8 utes provide better value for money however there is no doubting that the wider community believes that V8 Supercars are the "real deal" and this is further magnified by the relationship the Supercars have with Bathurst.
The opportunity for Andrew and the Jesus Racing Team has come from two of the leading Fujitsu series teams.
Andrew said "it has been really challenging to think about this opportunity because it is not something I have been pushing for. The Bible Society is right behind the idea as they can see how it will assist us to open even more doors for the Schools ministry program and will create a fantastic Public Relationship story at the time they are launching the Sydney 2009 Jesus. All about life program".
Steve Peach said "Some people have been surprised about the level of skill and competitiveness Andrew has displayed in the Ute series, he has been very successful in just 18 months. The Christian community as a whole has stood behind Andrew and the endeavours of Jesus Racing to bring the name of Jesus into the market place in such a bold fashion, the fact that Andrew runs at the front of the field has been positive fuel to that fire.
Although Jesus Racing is not looking to step out of the Ute series the opportunity to promote the Jesus. All about life brand on the Bathurst V8 Supercar stage is to great to pass up".
It's truly an exciting opportunity and one that both Andrew and Steve don't feel has been manufactured or manipulated. They both feel God's hand in it.
Potential Opposition: The potential opposition to this move is quite significant. Australian Motor Sport is a unique environment and has a lot of egos. It also has its fair share of ungodly activities, competition and selfishness. Bringing the name of Jesus into the centre of this culture, in the country's most serious form of racing at the country's most prominent circuit is surely going to stir some people. Those that were nominally opposed to Andrew's boldness or slightly annoyed at the stand Jesus Racing makes in the Ute series which is known for its "entertainment" value will surely get louder and more serious with Jesus Racing's V8 Supercar involvement. It's important for us to understand this move has never been made before in Australian Motor sport, not even close. That then gives us great opportunity for coverage and exposure for the name of Jesus, but it will also bring substantial opposition.
Requirements for success: The cost of running a V8 Supercar at Bathurst along with a quality team and all it's input is not cheap as you can imagine. Given the success we have achieved in the V8 Ute series it would be less than helpful for Jesus Racing to run with a team that is sub-standard, it is going to be difficult enough as it is to step up and be competitive as a Rookie let-a-lone with sub-standard equipment. The cost however for doing this including testing is going to cost around $60 -70,000 including us having an in-car camera promoting the Jesus. All about life program. This sounds like a lot of money however the team received $120,000 worth of TV coverage at the Philip Island round in the V8 Utes last year when we had the in-car camera so our expectations would be significantly more than this at Bathurst. The Public relationship value and the ministry opportunity value will be extraordinary.
Just over $40,000 has already been committed to for this venture and this gives us a clear indication that God is a part of it. We do however need to raise the other funds as we do not want to dip into the Jesus Ute program funds as this may jeopardise the success of this program.
If you feel like this is something you would like to contribute to we would love to hear from you. If you would like to do so via the tax deductible Areopagus Trust please do so however please note that your contribution is for the V8 Supercar as we don't want to negatively impact on our Ute series campaign for 2008.
Finally this venture will also require some significant prayer support, we would appreciate your time and efforts in this area as well. As supporters of Jesus Racing we understand that you either enjoy motor sport and want to see that vehicle used to glorify God and bring life to people or that you want to personally support Andrew and Steve in the Jesus Racing ministry and its activities.
If you have any feedback or feel that you are in a position to assist us in any way, please feel free to make contact with us via Steve Peach. He can be contacted via email on steve@jesusracing.com.au
The opportunity for Andrew and the Jesus Racing Team has come from two of the leading Fujitsu series teams.
Andrew said "it has been really challenging to think about this opportunity because it is not something I have been pushing for. The Bible Society is right behind the idea as they can see how it will assist us to open even more doors for the Schools ministry program and will create a fantastic Public Relationship story at the time they are launching the Sydney 2009 Jesus. All about life program".
Steve Peach said "Some people have been surprised about the level of skill and competitiveness Andrew has displayed in the Ute series, he has been very successful in just 18 months. The Christian community as a whole has stood behind Andrew and the endeavours of Jesus Racing to bring the name of Jesus into the market place in such a bold fashion, the fact that Andrew runs at the front of the field has been positive fuel to that fire.
Although Jesus Racing is not looking to step out of the Ute series the opportunity to promote the Jesus. All about life brand on the Bathurst V8 Supercar stage is to great to pass up".
It's truly an exciting opportunity and one that both Andrew and Steve don't feel has been manufactured or manipulated. They both feel God's hand in it.
Potential Opposition: The potential opposition to this move is quite significant. Australian Motor Sport is a unique environment and has a lot of egos. It also has its fair share of ungodly activities, competition and selfishness. Bringing the name of Jesus into the centre of this culture, in the country's most serious form of racing at the country's most prominent circuit is surely going to stir some people. Those that were nominally opposed to Andrew's boldness or slightly annoyed at the stand Jesus Racing makes in the Ute series which is known for its "entertainment" value will surely get louder and more serious with Jesus Racing's V8 Supercar involvement. It's important for us to understand this move has never been made before in Australian Motor sport, not even close. That then gives us great opportunity for coverage and exposure for the name of Jesus, but it will also bring substantial opposition.
Requirements for success: The cost of running a V8 Supercar at Bathurst along with a quality team and all it's input is not cheap as you can imagine. Given the success we have achieved in the V8 Ute series it would be less than helpful for Jesus Racing to run with a team that is sub-standard, it is going to be difficult enough as it is to step up and be competitive as a Rookie let-a-lone with sub-standard equipment. The cost however for doing this including testing is going to cost around $60 -70,000 including us having an in-car camera promoting the Jesus. All about life program. This sounds like a lot of money however the team received $120,000 worth of TV coverage at the Philip Island round in the V8 Utes last year when we had the in-car camera so our expectations would be significantly more than this at Bathurst. The Public relationship value and the ministry opportunity value will be extraordinary.
Just over $40,000 has already been committed to for this venture and this gives us a clear indication that God is a part of it. We do however need to raise the other funds as we do not want to dip into the Jesus Ute program funds as this may jeopardise the success of this program.
If you feel like this is something you would like to contribute to we would love to hear from you. If you would like to do so via the tax deductible Areopagus Trust please do so however please note that your contribution is for the V8 Supercar as we don't want to negatively impact on our Ute series campaign for 2008.
Finally this venture will also require some significant prayer support, we would appreciate your time and efforts in this area as well. As supporters of Jesus Racing we understand that you either enjoy motor sport and want to see that vehicle used to glorify God and bring life to people or that you want to personally support Andrew and Steve in the Jesus Racing ministry and its activities.
If you have any feedback or feel that you are in a position to assist us in any way, please feel free to make contact with us via Steve Peach. He can be contacted via email on steve@jesusracing.com.au
Sorry To Confuse You...
These most recent entries all relate to a community event we are involved in. A driver training day for inexperienced, young drivers. If you go to drivertrainingday.blogspot.com you will see all the details. You are welcome to come out and join us...
July 19 Saturday
Coombing Park (just past Carcoar turn off on Mid Western Highway)
Commences 10AM
July 19 Saturday
Coombing Park (just past Carcoar turn off on Mid Western Highway)
Commences 10AM
Sunday, 13 July 2008
MEDIA SUPPORT
Our thanks to the following media services which have been helping us spread the word and motivate young drivers to call us up.
Firstly, to Prime Television who have gone to the trouble of creating an advert' for us!
Radio stations 2BS and 2GZ have interviewed us...with the latter having a dedicated area for us on their website. Also, the Orange-based Radio Rhema has mentioned us to listeners during their weekly Thursday night program to men.
And, if you walk past the office of the Blayney Chronicle in Adelaide Street, you will see our "frightened witches hat" poster in their window.
Thanks everyone!
Firstly, to Prime Television who have gone to the trouble of creating an advert' for us!
Radio stations 2BS and 2GZ have interviewed us...with the latter having a dedicated area for us on their website. Also, the Orange-based Radio Rhema has mentioned us to listeners during their weekly Thursday night program to men.
And, if you walk past the office of the Blayney Chronicle in Adelaide Street, you will see our "frightened witches hat" poster in their window.
Thanks everyone!
HATCH BACKS TO LANDCRUISERS!
Registrations for the inaugural Driver Training Day are flowing in almost every day. We have drivers from 12 to adult, a lot on their L's, some on their P's. Driving anything from a little 3 cylinder hatchback to big Landcruisers. From Blayney, Orange, and beyond. There are still spaces available - we can take up to 50 drivers on the day.
SUPPORTER: JOHN DAVIS MOTORS
One request we put out was for a marquee...to host the registration area, food preparation and lunch serving. John Davis Motors at Orange has come to the rescue by offering theirs, and we want to say "Thank you" in advance.
SUPPORTER: NEWCREST MINES (CADIA)
CADIA mine is very community-focused and in fact has a department dedicated to helping community organisations and events. We presented our concept to CADIA and, apart from their enthusiasm and support, they have contributed in a very practical way. They were quick to ask "How can we be of assistance?" and the result will be two Portaloo-type toilets and safety bunting material which we will use to indicate where entry, parking, driver course areas are. They also offered to deliver and pick everything up for us. We are very appreciative of CADIA and glad that a number of employees' kids will be using the event to become more confident behind the wheel of a car.
SUPPORTER: IGA BLAYNEY
Our thanks to Geoff Bottom and IGA Blayney who have agreed to assist with providing food and drinks for the BBQ lunch, and for food and drink which can be purchased throughout the day. Geoff has offered us a discount which will assist us in keeping costs down for the day. So, if you live in the Blayney area we encourage you to utilise IGA which is in Farm Lane, one street back from Adelaide Street.
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