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WARRANDYTE LIONS CLUB
Giving those who have impaired vision the opportunity to experience something that most people take for granted.

Help Warrandyte Lions run In The Drivers Seat by donating to Warrandyte Lions

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

On a sunny afternoon in July, Kathleen Hammond got to drive a car for the first time in more than 10 years, since she lost her sight. Kathleen was one of more than 110 vision impaired people who took to Sandown Raceway, as part of the Warrandyte Lions Club’s  "In The Drivers Seat" event.

In the Drivers Seat pairs vision impaired people with driving instructors, allowing them the chance to get behind the wheel and hitting 100 kilometres an hour! For Kathleen, her first drive since earning her learners at the age of 16, is not just about a need for speed. “This means I get to do something I don’t normally get to do. Something that all my friends get to do everyday,” she said. “I’ve only got 20 to 15 percent vision left. I’m not allowed to go get my licence, I’m not allowed to go work or anything like that, so today it’s a great day, I get to go driving. Even just to go shopping I have to rely on everyone else, to do stuff like that so it’s really difficult not being able to drive and have my own independence".

The event couldn’t run without support from a team of volunteer driving instructors, who provide their time and their vehicles. Instructor, Wayne Stagg, has been involved in the event since it began 25 years ago and he said the team of professional instructors get as much from the event as the drivers. In between the waves of drivers taking to the track, volunteers from the Ford Customline Car Club and Ulysses Motor Cycle Club, while many Warrandyte Lions Club members work to entertain and welcome the drivers and their families.

For Murray Rowland from Geelong, who had his third year taking part, it’s the event to look forward to each year. “It’s an enjoyable experience that sighted people take for granted everyday… learning how to turn the steering left and right with wonderful instructors that give their time up and also the Lions Club that provide the snags, the cup of tea and the camaraderie,” Murray said. “it’s all just wonderful for us as vision impaired people to have a chance at something once a year.”

Sandown Race Track

EVENT DETAILS:

Date:

SUNDAY, 14th JULY 2024

Time:

 

9am to 4pm

Cost:

 

FREE

Location:

 

Sandown Race Track

591-659 Princess Hwy

Springvale, Victoria 3171

Access: 

 

VIPs can find their own way to the track either via personal transportation or public transportation. A free shuttle bus will be available from Sandown Train Station to ferry VIPs and their friends/families to and from the Sandown Race Track. This shuttle bus will run all day.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have some questions please click on the F.A.Q button to be redirected to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Button to Frequently Asked Questions page

HOW TO BOOK

A VIP at In The Drivers Seat

In The Drivers Seat is a program that is opened to all Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) from all regions. Please click on the "Book Online" button below to be directed to our booking page to become involved in this AMAZING program.

Please note that bookings are essential as the event runs to a very tight schedule between 9am and 4pm

Registrations are closed for this year we are fully booked.!

About ITDS
How to Book ITDS

OUR PARTNERS

Please click on the images below to visit our partners websites

Park Orchards
Nillumbick
Noble Park - Keysborough
Lyndhurst & District
Diamond Valley

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Yarra Ranges

OUR DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

This day would not be made possible without the amazing donations from our Driving Instructors. All Driving Instructors donate their time, expertise and their cars to this amazing event.

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Rose-Ann Mulholland
Lynda Harvey
Vicki Hare
Ann Bell
Amanda Gibbon
Joyce Guan
Sam Marzden
Cathy McGuire
Dennis Van Damme
Kees Webster
Michael Gray
Pritham Singh Gill
Katrina Mauldon
Lisa Kader
Shane Taylor
Ray Kilby
Jim Camilleri
Sarah Bruce

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Keesey DS.png
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Diamond Drivers DS.jpg
Our Partners ITDS
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