Foundation

MAIB Delivers Over $1.1 million to Support Road Safety and Trauma Recovery Across Tasmania

The Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) has announced more than $1.1 million in grants to improve road safety and support Tasmanians affected by motor accidents. 

The funding will support 13 projects and organisations across the state to help prevent road trauma and deliver vital recovery services.

“These initiatives reflect our long-standing commitment to making Tasmanian roads safer and ensuring the best possible support for people impacted by motor accidents,” MAIB Chief Executive Officer Paul Kingston said. 

“Each project selected this year has the potential to create real and lasting benefits for individuals and communities across the state.”

The MAIB’s Foundation has distributed more than $11 million in funding over the past 20 years, and supports a wide range of initiatives, from trauma recovery services to education programs that aim to reduce the incidence and impact of road trauma.

Among this year’s successful applicants is St John Ambulance Tasmania, which will deliver its Survive the Drive program — designed to provide learner drivers with vital first aid and emergency response skills to help reduce injuries and save lives.

“St John Tasmania is incredibly proud to be a recipient of the MAIB Injury Prevention and Management Foundation Grant,” said St John Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Andrew Paynter. 

“We are deeply grateful for MAIB’s vision, leadership, and ongoing support in championing safer roads for all Tasmanians. Together, we will work to empower the next generation with the lifesaving skills to keep themselves and their peers safe — and protect our community.”

Funding will also continue for critical support services such as Road Trauma Support Tasmania, which is fully funded by MAIB, as well as the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania and ParaQuad Tasmania who, every day, work with Tasmanians impacted by road trauma.

Minister for Transport Eric Abetz welcomed the announcement and congratulated the organisations on their commitment to improving road safety and trauma recovery.

“Every life saved on our roads is a result of strong partnerships, targeted investment, and a shared commitment to community safety,” Minister Abetz said. 

“The MAIB Foundation continues to lead by example, supporting practical programs that make a measurable difference.

“Every Tasmanian deserves to feel safe on our roads, and this funding takes us another step closer to that goal.”

MAIB also continues to support the Road Safety Advisory Council, which receives over $4 million annually in funding, and plays a key role in policy development, research, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities on Tasmania’s roads.

The successful projects, which total $1,147,531 in Foundation funding, – 

• Scottsdale High School – First Aid: This course aims to deliver a tailor-made first aid course for 30 students to heighten awareness and raise discussions about road safety, including safety when using farm vehicles.
• Lilydale District School – Quad Bike Training: Students who are training for Certificates II and III in Agriculture will complete a course on quad bike training that will increase their level of personal safety.
• Yolla District High School – ATV Awareness Program: Will deliver national competency-based training to 33 year 10-12 students for safe handling of quad bikes.  The training forms part of a TasTAFE course.
• North West Regional Hospital, Emergency Department – CENA Trauma Nursing Program: The funding will allow nurses from across the North-West and West Coast of Tasmania to attend critical training to provide high-quality, evidence-based trauma care. The funds will allow 45 nurses to access the training.
• Community Broadcasting Association of Tasmania – Our Voices, Our Roads, Our Safety: The project will work with young Tasmanian drivers develop a series for community radio reaching 23 stations and more than 325,000 people.
• St John Ambulance Tasmania – Survive the Drive: The program will train learner drivers in essential first aid and emergency response by partnering with schools to create digital resources and hands-on training materials.
• ParaQuad Tasmania – Spinal cord injury prevention education and information: Continues the support of support services including preventative education and training programs, advocacy and information sharing.
• Brain Injury Association of Tasmania – Information and Awareness Project: Allows for the continuation of the services and support that BIAT provides to Tasmanians living with or impacted by brain injury.  This includes education and prevention programs, development of resources, events and awareness activities.
• Road Trauma Support Tasmania – counselling services: MAIB provides 100 per cent of the funding to provide counselling services for those who have been involved in or are impacted by a road accident.
• Brain Injury Association of Tasmania – About Me Project: This project allows people with disability to be part of the change on issues that impact them and not having to tell their story repeatedly.  The project builds capacity of clients to effectively communicate their support needs, educational aspirations, health care requirements or employment goals.
• Tasmanian School of Medicine Trauma Weekend: The Trauma Weekend allows for students to have an authentic and reproducible learning experience that enhances their understanding of early and appropriate medical management as well improve communication skills between all professionals involved in motor vehicle rescues. This is the third and final year of funding for this project.
• Royal Hobart Hospital – Trauma Service: State-wide training program to provide an educational platform and framework for multidisciplinary trauma team training in Tasmania with a specific focus on injuries associated with road traffic accidents.  This is the third and final year of funding for this project.
• Road Safety Advisory Council: Outside of the Foundation, the MAIB provides more than $4 million annually for RSAC.  This additional Foundation funding is for any special projects that may arise throughout the year that fall within the criteria of the Foundation.