Boost for Victorian road trauma counselling services

Published date: 05 Aug 2022

Critical counselling services for Victorians impacted by road trauma have received a $2.1 million boost from the Victorian Government and Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

A three-year extension of the current funding agreement between the TAC and Amber Community (formerly known as Road Trauma Support Services Victoria) will guarantee its important services until at least 2025.

Amber Community plays a vital role in delivering support services to more than 3,000 Victorians who have either been injured, lost a loved one or been impacted by road trauma.

The TAC has provided funding to Amber Community since 1999, and the renewed agreement will help boost support for Victorians impacted by allowing for additional counselling staff to address wait times.

The organisation, which was established in 1994, also provides road safety education programs to more than 5,000 Victorians each year and is renowned for its annual Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign and community walk around Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake.

The extended support for road trauma counselling comes at a critical time, with the number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year reaching 143, an increase on the 128 deaths at the same time last year.

TAC support of Amber Community is in addition to the benefits and compensation it provides to help Victorians get their lives back on track after a transport accident, including for physical and mental health services.

Overall, in 2020/2021, the TAC provided $1.5 billion in support and benefits to 53,705 Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“Sadly, road trauma has a devastating impact on the Victorian community every year and while we’re aiming for a day where no one is seriously injured or killed, we must do everything we can to support people affected now.”

“The work of Amber Community cannot be understated, and it is critical that they have the support and resources to continue road trauma counselling and education for Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Amber Community CEO Bernadette Nugent

“Our agreement with the TAC means we can plan with greater confidence and provide support and counselling to people who have been impacted by road trauma.”

“We know that early intervention can reduce the impacts of road trauma on the community, so a dedicated service that gives people easy access to counselling and support is vital.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Amber Community and support the crucial work they do in helping Victorians impacted by road trauma get their lives back on track.”