The Fit to Drive (F2D) Foundation is proud to announce the addition of five new board members, bringing an expanded range of expertise to help further its mission of road safety education. The board, now including specialists in fields such as brand development, marketing, IT security, trauma and rehabilitation, risk and governance and Victorian Road Policing, met at Victoria Police headquarters on Saturday, 21 September. They spent the day deepening their understanding of the Foundation’s strategic plan and assigning subcommittee roles to support F2D’s vision.
The newly diversified board positions F2D to make even greater strides in combating road crashes, which remain the second leading cause of death among young Australians.
New Board Members:
- Matthew Ryan
Founder of digital consultancy Insight Path, Matthew is dedicated to driving the Foundation’s sustainable growth. As a father and cyclist, his personal experiences with road trauma fuel his commitment to road safety.
- Ingrid Cole
A physiotherapist and leader in disability care, Ingrid’s extensive background in healthcare and governance will enhance the Operations and Finance subcommittees. Her passion for youth safety drives her commitment to empowering young people to make better choices on the road.
- Justin Goldsmith
Another key figure in Victoria Police, Justin brings strategic insight into road safety, developed during his 32 years of service. His work with Road Policing Command and involvement in community football adds a practical lens to the Foundation’s initiatives.
- Dr Mike Wilson
Ready to Chair the Research Subcommittee, Dr. Mike Wilson brings academic rigor and expertise in communication, ensuring the Foundation remains at the forefront of road safety discussions. Their work in education and outreach equips them to connect complex concepts to broader audiences.
- Alexander Bianchini-Kometer
A marketing and creative professional, Alex will focus on sponsorship and brand development to elevate the Foundation’s outreach. His experience as a motorcycle racer deepens his commitment to road safety.
President and Chair, Anthea Williams is excited to lead the new board.
“Such expertise is welcomed, both in terms of its educational outreach and operational capacity. Together, we are united in the Foundation’s mission to reduce road trauma and create safer communities for young Australians.”
The board also established two new subcommittees to support the Foundation’s strategic goals. The first, led by Alexander Bianchini-Kometer, focuses on Brand, Sponsorship, and Media. This team will focus on identifying and leveraging strategic partnerships and revenue growth opportunities, while critically assessing public relations, communications, and digital engagement strategies to amplify the Foundation’s message and enhance its impact across target audiences.
The second subcommittee, led by Dr. Mike Wilson, is focused on Research. This group will examine data and insights regarding the Foundation’s core demographic, while also exploring future audiences to ensure Fit to Drive’s programs remain impactful and relevant.
In addition to these changes, the Foundation is serving as the delivery partner for a new TAC pilot program aimed at addressing road safety concerns among young apprentices. Data has shown that early school leavers often miss out on F2D’s in-school programs. To bridge this gap, the pilot is delivering road safety education at training centers and vocational colleges, ensuring that this at-risk group receives the necessary support.
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Fit To Drive Foundation was launched in 2002 after 7 young people lost their lives in an 18-month period in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Community members including principals, teachers, parents and students banded together as they recognised the urgent need for a new approach to road safety education. What followed was the introduction of our first program, the F2D Year 11 Workshop.
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