TWENTY years ago a handful of community minded people got together to form and run a driver education program in an effort to educate year 11 students in the basic elements of safe driving before they commence their driving life.

Then Constable Ken McDonald, from the local police, Bill McInnes from Ulladulla High School, local ambulance officer Michael Mastronardi and Lyall Gorman from Ulladulla High School started the program in 1989 that is running again this year.

Michael Mastonardi and Bill McInnes are still active in the program.

The program is aimed at year 11 students from Ulladulla High and Shoalhaven Anglican Schools.

The program is run over three stages and conducted over a consultative three day period.

Day one is conducted at the schools by the local police with lectures and information on the repercussions of serious road accidents.

Day two is held at the ex-serviceman's club where the students experience driving instruction by local driving instructor Brian Dickinson, first aid by Michael Mastronardi, accident emergency by the local fire brigade and general vehicle maintenance and safety by Tin Davis from the local Shoalhaven City Council workshop.

On day three students travel to the police driver training centre and police training academy at Goulbourn accompanied by local police, where they experience demonstrations on the vehicle skid pan and visit the police training academy.

The Milton -Ulladulla Driver Education Committee is affiliated with the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla and is funded by the local Rotary club, Ulladulla-Milton Lions and local clubs.

The committee members are all volunteers and provide their time and expertise in an effort to help local school students to obtain some important skills and attitude to help them start their driving life and endeavour to reduce the likelihood of a serious road accident.

Special thanks to our local Federal Minister Joanna Gash for giving up her time to share the 20th year of the Milton-Ulladulla Driver Education Program and show her support for the program.

Joanna congratulated the local community based committee on their achievements.