World First Safety Campaign

Published on 10 September 2025

Western Region residents have the opportunity to take part in a unique local road safety campaign aimed at tackling speeding on our roads.

The “Please Slow Down because…” garden sign initiative gives people the chance to display a personalised message on their front fence or garden, reminding drivers why safe speeds matter. From clever and witty to heartfelt and meaningful, each sign carries a local voice and a personal reason for slowing down.

Funded by the National Road Safety Action Grants Program and delivered in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health’s Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS) project, the campaign is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It was developed through a Community Jury process right here in the Mid-Western Region by local people. Similar ideas will also be trialled in four other NSW communities across City of Sydney, Canterbury-Bankstown, Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour.

Mid-Western Regional Council General Manager, Brad Cam said the signs are a creative, grassroots way to start changing local attitudes to speeding.

“Speeding remains the leading cause of injury crashes in our region, with 142 serious incidents recorded between 2019 and 2023,” Mr Cam said.

“Research tells us that even skilled drivers can face unexpected hazards – and the higher the speed, the less chance of survival.

“This campaign puts the power in the hands of locals. Whether it’s children, animals, or even just the beauty of our region, everyone has a reason for drivers to slow down. By proudly displaying these signs, we’re sending a clear, community-driven message: speeding is not acceptable here.”

Applications are free and easy to complete online. Once approved, signs will be installed by Council staff for the campaign period, running now through to the end of November – including Rural Road Safety Month in September.

Anyone living or working in the Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area, especially those located on roads where speeding is an issue, is encouraged to get involved.

Visit Council’s website midwestern.nsw.gov.au to submit your application.