Smartraveller grants support safe travel initiatives
Today I announce the Government will partner with four community organisations to encourage safe travel by Australians overseas.
The organisations have been awarded Smartraveller grants for innovative projects helping Australians make informed decisions about how, when and where they travel.
The grant recipients are:
- Red Frogs ($15,000) to educate and support young people celebrating schoolies overseas. The grant will help Red Frogs volunteers operate in popular destinations in Indonesia, Fiji and Vanuatu during peak holiday periods.
- The Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation ($12,000) to deliver travel safety presentations in Australian high schools. Nicole died in a motorbike accident in Thailand in 2012. Her sister Kate will share the family's story and tips for young travellers.
- L.I.A.M Charity ($10,000) to raise awareness of methanol alcohol poisoning in memory of Liam Davis. The group will promote safe partying messages through a social media campaign and in high schools and universities.
- The Aged Care & Housing (ACH) Group ($8,000) to hold a 'seniors without borders' public forum. ACH will develop video and marketing material addressing the unique challenges international travel poses for Australians aged 60 and over.
Australians are going abroad in record numbers, with more than 10 million departures in 2016-17. The Government's Smartraveller website aims to ensure these globetrotters are as prepared as possible by providing advice about travel destinations and issues.
As we approach the festive season, I remind Australians to travel smart over the holidays. Get the right insurance, register your trip on Smartraveller and subscribe to receive updates on your destination.