A little over thirty years ago the Lions Club of Cudal-Cargo and District began to operate a “Coffee Stop” on the first night of the long weekends at the Monument on the Escort Way/Parkes Rd intersection. At that time the “Coffee Stop” operated on the Friday night before the Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Queen’s Birthday and Labour Day long weekends. When the “Coffee Stop” began its operation it was decided not to compete with cafes in Cudal and
Manildra and would therefore only operate from 6pm to 6am, a practice still followed today.
The objective of the “Coffee Stop” then as is that of the Driver Reviver today, was to encourage drivers to stop for a free cup of coffee or tea, a biscuit and a few minutes rest from driving. A cuppa and a 15 minute break can make a big difference to a drivers fatigue levels.
Since the “Coffee Stop” began to operate, the RMS has adopted the movement renaming it “Driver Reviver” and found sponsors to supply tea, coffee and biscuits so that the operating organisations were not out of pocket for the supplies.
Over the past 30 years, the members from Cudal-Cargo have grown older, many have left and some have other commitments on those holiday weekends. The group are now finding it difficult to staff the van on operating nights.
The more helpers the club can get the shorter the shifts in the van can be made and if enough new volunteers come forward the van may be able to operate on a number of other occasions.
If you would like to help continue this vital service please contact Dave Farrell, Driver Reviver Co-ordinator on 0428 238 971.