Australia’s largest rail freight operator Aurizon, in partnership with the Newcastle Knights, launched a new interactive presentation on rail safety to Hunter Valley primary schools.
Aurizon’s Vice President of Brand and Communications, Paul Cronin said the program builds on Aurizon’s national award-winning rail safety program in a unique and engaging format and is designed specifically for primary school children.
“Safety is core to Aurizon’s operations and with our growing presence in the Hunter Valley, we want to make sure the community, and particularly school children, are aware of the importance of rail safety,” he said.
“We are proud to continue our work with our Rail Safety Ambassadors, the Newcastle Knights, to reinforce the messages of the dangers associated with getting too close to trains.
“This year, we are launching ‘Barry the Ball’, an animated rugby league ball who appears in a presentation featuring Newcastle Knights players to give children a ‘game plan’ for level crossings.”
Aurizon’s game plan is simple: Stop, Look Listen and Think! You should always stop. You should always look to see if any trains are coming. You should listen for any trains approaching. You should think about when it’s safe to cross. And cross only when the track is clear and safe.
The Newcastle Knights and Aurizon will visit a number of schools along the rail corridor as part of the program.
“The Aurizon Rail Safety program is such a positive way the Knights can make a difference and help save lives in our community,” said Knights CEO Matt Gidley.
“We are delighted to be able to support Aurizon on this industry benchmark initiative to that aims to keep children and families of the Hunter safe.”
Knights player Anthony Tupou visited Muswellbrook Primary School on Thursday as part of the launch of the program, which will run across terms two and three in 2017.
For more information about the program, visit www.aurizon.com.au/community/partnerships.
