“We all have a role to play when it comes to road safety and that’s why the NSW Government is providing $1.6 million in grants to help deliver grass roots road safety initiatives,” he said.

“Upper Hunter communities may have specific road safety issues that could be best addressed first hand by the community, which is in addition to the state-wide campaigns the NSW Government delivers.

“Now, under our grass roots program, if a school in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Murrurundi, Gloucester or Dungog wants to host a road safety workshop for kindergarten, we want to hear about it.

“If a school in Scone, Merriwa or Quirindi wants to run a campaign about the impacts of drink and drug driving, we want to hear about it.

“If a community in Denman, Wollar, Bylong, Ulan, Paterson or Stroud wants additional signs near parks to improve safety of young children, we want to hear about it.”

Mr Souris is urging groups across the Upper Hunter to think about their local safety issues and get involved.

“Applications are now open,” he said.

“Community groups have until February 21 to submit their local road safety ideas.

“Two grant categories are available – one for smaller projects up to $5000 and another for more substantial projects, up to $30,000.

“This $1.6 million grant initiative builds on many other road safety initiatives being delivered for all members of the community.

“Some of the NSW Government’s package of key safety measures includes our Safety Town website, a complete kid safety information hub for parents and kids; our Safer Drivers Course for young adults and encouraging people to have a ‘Plan B’ when out drinking.”