Powerful solidarity on display at annual road safety walk and wheel

Published date: 04 May 2025

The strength of Victorians impacted by road trauma was on powerful display at Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake, as hundreds gathered to honour loved ones lost or injured on our roads.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) today joined the Amber Community, Victoria Police, ambassador Alex Prestney, and more than 700 people, for the 12th annual Shine a Light on Road Safety Community Walk and Wheel.

Led by the Amber Community, the event kicks off a month-long initiative providing an opportunity for those impacted by road trauma to pay tribute to loved ones, while raising crucial funds for Amber’s road trauma counselling services.

Alex, whose brother Josh Prestney was one of four police officers tragically killed on the Eastern Freeway five years ago, has become a dedicated road safety advocate and last week completed his Run the Bay for Road Safety.

A police officer himself, Alex ran 70km a day for three days around Port Phillip Bay, in memory of his brother, promoting road safety and raising funds for Amber Community.

TAC Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Slatter, said Alex’s personal story was shared by too many Victorian families, and that Shine a Light community walk demonstrated the powerful ripple effect of road trauma.

“More than 90 people have already lost their lives on Victorian roads this year, leaving loved ones and their broader communities devastated,” Ms Slatter said.

“Events like Shine a Light and advocacy efforts like Alex Prestney’s are a powerful reminder of why it is so important that we prioritise safety every time we use the roads.

“The TAC is proud to continue its support of the critical work undertaken by Amber Community in caring for Victorians who have been impacted by road trauma and advocating for road safety.”

Amber Community supports more than 3,000 Victorians who have either been injured, lost someone, or been otherwise affected by road trauma. The organisation also runs education programs across the state, reaching more than 5,000 people annually with initiatives aimed at preventing road trauma.

Amber Community CEO, Bernadette Nugent, said Shine a Light on Road Safety was a powerful call to action for every road user to share the responsibility of keeping everyone safe on the roads.

“Amber Community is deeply committed to providing compassionate support and counselling to those impacted by road trauma, as well as delivering education programs that raise vital awareness about road safety,” she said.

“We are grateful to the TAC for supporting our Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign – road safety should never be taken for granted. Be part of the change. Together, we can make a difference.”

Shine a Light on Road Safety is Victoria’s pre-cursor to National Road Safety Week, which will be acknowledged across the country from 11 May to 18 May.

Iconic Melbourne landmarks will also turn yellow for road safety as part of Shine a Light and for National Road Safety Week. Melbourne Town Hall will be illuminated tonight (4 May), while landmarks including the Bolte Bridge, CityLink Sound Tube, Box Hill Town Hall and 101 Collins Street will be illuminated from 11 May.

For further information on the Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign and how to get involved, visit the Amber Community website - https://getinvolved.ambercommunity.org.au/event/shine-a-light