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This article was published on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Greater Shepparton unites through Walk for Road Safety at Victoria Park Lake

Posted on Wednesday 28th of May, 2025,

Greater Shepparton City Council is thanking the community for turning out to support the Walk for Road Safety event, held on Sunday 18 May at Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton.

In Summary

  • Hundreds of community members gathered for the Walk for Road Safety at Victoria Park Lake on Sunday 18 May 2025 as part of National Road Safety Week.
  • The event featured interactive displays, emergency service activations, car seat checks, family-friendly activities, and powerful personal stories about the impact of road trauma.
  • Speakers from Victoria Police, Amber Community, Starting Out Safely and Shepparton Search and Rescue led a community discussion on preventing road incidents and promoting awareness.
  • Council thanks all attendees, partners and volunteers and invites participants to provide feedback via a short online survey to help shape future events.

Hundreds of attendees gathered to take part in the free community event, which featured a mix of interactive displays, emergency service activations, car seat checks and a wide range of family-friendly activities.

The event formed part of National Road Safety Week 2025 and was delivered in collaboration with Victoria Police, Amber Community, Shepparton Search and Rescue, Baby Bunting, Road Safe Goulburn Valley, Starting Out Safely, Neighbourhood Watch, and Council’s Community Wellbeing Department.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it was powerful to see so many people come together with a common purpose, to honour lives lost and champion road safety.

“The purpose of the event is to shine a light on road safety. The goal is simple, no lives lost. Not one, not ten, not a thousand. Every life matters, and any loss is unacceptable,” he said.

“Hearing real stories from people affected by road trauma was incredibly powerful, particularly the story of Sharon O’Dwyer who lost her son in a fatal accident. It reminded us why events like this matter and why we must all play a role in creating safer roads for everyone.”

A key part of the event was the community discussion, which brought together powerful voices from across the region to speak about the impacts of road trauma and how the community can take action. Speakers included Sergeant Nathan Trimby from Victoria Police, Sharon O’Dwyer from Amber Community, Zora Marko from Starting Out Safely, and Michael D’Elia from Shepparton Search and Rescue.

Participants heard personal stories and real-world experiences, reinforcing the emotional and lasting effects of road incidents and the role education and awareness can play in prevention.

At 12.40pm, the Walk for Road Safety began, led by the Victoria Police Band. Community members walked together around the lake in a sea of yellow, placing wish cards on the hill in a gesture of remembrance and hope. The visual tribute served as a reminder of the lives affected by road trauma and the collective commitment to promoting safer roads.

Council’s Director Community, Louise Mitchell, said the event highlighted the strength of community connection and the importance of creating space for real conversations.

“Road safety is something that affects every one of us, and this event created a moment for people to reflect, connect and take action,” she said.

“It was inspiring to see local organisations, emergency services and families come together with a shared commitment to protecting lives on our roads.”

Council would like to extend its sincere thanks to all event partners, volunteers, speakers and attendees who helped make the day a meaningful step forward in promoting a safer, more connected community.

Those who attended, are now invited to help shape future events by providing feedback through a short online survey at https://shepp.city/wfrssurvey

For further information, please call Council’s Community Wellbeing team on 5832 9700 or email CommunityWellbeing@shepparton.vic.gov.au

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