Safety Heroes wanted in every Queensland school

An electrical safety program that turns students into safety heroes is being offered to every school in Queensland for the first time.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said the State’s newly merged electricity company, Energy Queensland, was making sure all children from Coolangatta to the Cape learn the valuable lessons about electrical safety.

“This year will be the first time every school in Queensland will have access to a Safety Heroes lesson from Energy Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.

“More than 1400 schools have been invited to take on the 2016 program that teaches children the basics of electrical safety – a vital lesson for our young ones.

“We’ve already had such a great response from schools with around 80 per cent registered across Queensland.

“Safety Heroes represents a joint effort by Ergon and Energex to instil electrical safety sense to an entire generation of Queenslanders aged five to 12.”

The program will be held in primary schools across Queensland during Electricity Safety Week - 5 to 9 September 2016.

Mr Bailey said 90 per cent of schools participated across Ergon’s distribution area last year.

“This year Ergon is aiming to get the Safety Heroes program into every regional primary school and, Energex has come on board for the first time to spread the word to south east Queensland schools,” he said.

“The program encourages students to take responsibility for being safe around electricity by teaching students to be a hero when it comes to safety at home.

“It covers a range of electrical hazards from a knife or fork in a toaster to powerlines being underground as well as overhead and overall storm safety.”

“Feedback shows that primary school aged children are enthusiastic learners of such practical advice and are often keen to share their lessons at home with mum and dad.”

Primary schools across Queensland are currently being invited to register for the Safety Heroes program. Official registration for schools is now open and closes on 19 August.

More information on the Safety Heroes program can be found at ergon.com.au/safetyheroes and energex.com.au/safetyheroes.

ENDS

Media Contacts:        Zoe Russell 0428 079 640