THE call has gone out for helpers to man the refreshment stop near Millicent this Easter holiday long weekend.
In a remarkable and enduring act of community spirit, it is the 24th consecutive Easter that volunteers and members of the Wattle Range Road Safety Committee (WRRSC) will dispense coffee and good cheer at a “driver reviver” on the Princes Highway.
Among the public figures to lend a hand over the years have been the mayor and mayoress of Wattle Range Council, Peter and Kathy Gandolfi.
From 2pm on March 29 helpers will be found alongside the Argyle Country Fire Service Shed and opposite the Sebastopol service station, 5km north of Millicent.
WRRSC member Sue Vanderheul has coordinated every driver reviver stop since its inception in 1995 and she has filled the roster which runs over the five days of the Easter break until late-afternoon on Easter Monday.
Her fellow volunteers will serve free tea, coffee, and biscuits.
Ms Vanderheul said she was again looking for a good response from the community.
“Members of the local service clubs always help and we always get strong backing from Wattle Range Council, Sebastopol Machinery Service and Foster’s Foodland,” Ms Vanderheul said.
“The council provides us with bollards and the signage and slashes the grass near the driver reviver stop.
“People who would like to go on the roster or who would like to provide home baked goods can ring me on 0417 847 473.”
Ms Vanderheul said the importance of providing driver reviver stops should not be underestimated.
“It is all about keeping everyone safe,” she said.
“It is a proven fact that regular breaks keep people refreshed.
“Changing drivers every two hours is another safety help.”
Each holiday season, over 200 driver reviver sites are open across Australia.
Supported by volunteers from a range of regional community groups, driver reviver sites are considered an ideal place to take a break on a long journey.
Government agencies support the volunteer efforts by approving rest areas and providing toilet facilities, shelter and power.
