ROTARY LIGHTS PROJECT

The Chair, Brian Trenery introduced Club Guests, Mark Fidge, Manager, Corporate Services, South West Institute of TAFE, Alan Barnett, Automotive Department, South West Institute of TAFE and Terry Parkinson, Manager, Burson Auto Parts. An apology was received from Chris Holloway, Building & Construction Department, South West Institute of TAFE who was unavoidably called away at the last minute. Mark Fidge welcomed Rotarians to the facility at TAFE, which came about as an alternative to the Mitre 10 site which was not available for the time required.  He stated that the Rotary Lights Project was a fantastic initiative and was pleased to see the apprentices from the Automotive Department involved in the project. He wished Rotary well with the project. .

Brian Trenery provided a brief timeline of how the project came about and stated that during the time he and Ian Sadler had worked for Coles Coaches, it was apparent that many cars had defective lights of all types, i.e. headlights, indicators, stop lights, and lights that had blown and drivers may not have been aware of this. He had heard of a project called Rotary Lights in South Australia and arranged to meet with Brian Robinson of Rotary Mt Gambier who provided some information on the project. Since that time Brian, Rob McNally, Ian Sadler and Rob Cuzens have received the go ahead to proceed with the project here in SW Victoria. 

As a result of the Mitre 10 site being unavailable for the time needed, SW TAFE has generously offered us the use of their site at Sherwood Campus.  Chris Holloway from the Building & Construction Department has also made available all the workshops and the parking area at the site.  

It was suggested to Brian that he make contact with Alan Barnett to see if apprentices from SW TAFE Automotive Department would like to be involved and this has also come about.

Terry Parkinson, Manager Burson Auto Parts has also come on board to assist with the sale of globes to members of the public. 

The CFA has kindly supplied the site board which is used to test headlights.

The witches hats have been supplied courtesy of Wannon Water.

Rotarians were then invited by Alan Barnett to join him in the carpenter shed where he explained the importance of correct headlight adjustment and the various impacts should they be incorrect. Surprisingly, some of the factors that impact on correct headlight adjustment can be: correct tyre usage and inflation, full tank of fuel, driver sitting in the driving seat and the light lenses and covers cleaned of pitting and grime. Following this, a "role play" was undertaken with member's having their car lights tested. Alan stayed on for the remainder of the "role play", answering questions and educating those who drove their car through the checking area.