Deca Feature 2014

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DECA CONTINUES TO DRIVE FOR THE FUTURE MILESTONE SUCCESS… Driver Education Centre of Australia Trainers, Murray Closter, Markcus Brown, Darryn King, Training Co-ordinator, Jon Cruickshanks, Business Manager, Warren Smith, Senior Administration, Kerrin Houldcroft, Administration, Holly Santavec and Jenny McClure, Trainers, David Arentz, Greg Sutherland, Bevan Florence, John Ross and David Arthur. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

CELEBRATES

40 YEARS OF SUCCESS

SHEPPARTON’S own dedicated Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA) celebrated their milestone 40th birthday during the week, welcoming around 80 team members from across Australia to join in the celebrations during a two day event.

DECA Shepparton Business Manager, Warren Smith said, “DECA, or Goulburn Valley Driver Training Complex as it was first known, was the concept of a very forward thinking, Eric Montgomery. Eric Montgomery was a Shepparton detective whose vision was for a facility, which would help reduce the road toll and make our roads safer. And it worked.

That’s where it all began and that’s what we’re still primarily about.”

DECA developed over the years into not only a successful driver training complex, but a model for driver training which would go on to be implemented across Australia as well as internationally.

Mr Smith said, “There are so many people who

can be recognised for the part they played in the development of the complex. Eric Montgomery and Peter Ross Edwards were instrumental in developing the idea and gathering the support to get the place off the ground.

“The original Goulburn Valley Driver Training Complex provided an opportunity for school children to learn all about road rules and traditional beginner driver lessons, which was wonderful. But as times changed, DECA has evolved into a much larger body providing more specialised and advanced driver training services both locally and internationally.

“We are very excited about a number of new programs which DECA is offering including our Outdoor Works Program. For the first time in our 40 year history we are providing specialised training for earthmoving and large scale machinery, which is fantastic.

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KNORR-BREMSE AUSTRALIA

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CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS

PASSION FOR INDUSTRY STRONG LOYALTY… From left, DECA Long Serving Trainers, Bevan Florence and Greg Sutherland are proud to be a part of DECA’s 40th birthday, with lots of memories to share with the rest of the team. Photo: Madeleine Caccianiga.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS DECA CONTINUES TO DRIVE FOR THE FUTURE Continued from previous page

“With our Outdoor Works Program, participants learn to drive all of the large scale machines as well as gain a nationally recognised qualification, which allows them new job opportunities. They go away from our program with a bunch of qualifications

including truck licence, forklift licence, traffic control and manual handling skills as well as machinery qualifications so it opens up a lot of doors as far as employment opportunities are concerned. It’s a really great program and with current government support, it is very affordable.

CLEAVES EARTHMOVING

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“The core beliefs of providing training to improve vehicle safety hasn’t changed, even after 40 years. Now, as we look towards the future, we are excited to be in a position to continue to evolve with the times in providing ground breaking international programs for the future.”

PASSIONATE trainers, Greg Sutherland and Bevan Florence have been a part of the team at DECA since 1981 and hold the record as the driver training facility’s longest serving team members. Of course, Greg takes the main honour beating Bevan as longest serving member by a marginal four months.

The pair are passionate and enthusiastic advocates for driver training and on-road safety and have been honoured to be a part of some very rewarding programs over the years.

Greg and Bevan admit that they’ve seen many changes in their time from car technologies and capabilities to modernised computerised programing, but it is these evolutions, which keep their jobs so interesting.

Greg specialises in stunt and defensive driving siting lots of ‘hairy’ moments along the way and Bevan has tried his hand at just about everything, but his core role is driver training for trucks and forklifts.

Both Greg and Bevan have enjoyed several stints overseas in China, Papua New Guinea and Dubai implementing programs and putting core DECA driver training methods in place.

Bevan said, “It makes you really proud to be a part of programs which have become so important. There’s been a lot of changes, as industries have changed, the courses have evolved and that’s been great.

“In the late ‘80s we had the privilege of writing and implementing courses for major national suppliers like Shell, training all of their drivers and helping to improve their procedures. It’s projects like these which stand out in your memory and make you really proud to have been a part of such a wonderful organisation.

“We’ve always been customer orientated, our clients are our prime concern and that is probably what I’ve enjoyed most about what we do.”

Greg said, “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but one of the other main highlights of working at DECA is the wonderful team. It’s a wonderful environment.

“Working with people who have such a huge variation in experiences has been very rewarding.”

TAIG BROS

JOST AUSTRALIA

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CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS

TIMELINE THE HISTORY OF DECA

1970

The idea for a dedicated ‘off-road’ driver training facility was conceived

by Founder, Eric Montgomery.

1974

The official opening was set for May 16, however on May 14 the Goulburn Valley suffered its most severe flooding in history. The complex went under four feet of water and damage was estimated at more than $22,000.

1972

GJK FACILITY SERVICES

By November, accumulated funds raised from service clubs throughout the district and with Government support thanks to the backing of Leader of the State National Party, Mr Peter Ross-Edwards, funds in the amount of $110,000 had been raised, which was enough to commence development.

Construction began in December.

1973

Earthworks officially began in February with the layout being designed and supervised by Eric Montgomery and engineering staff from the Shepparton City Council.

Damp conditions and inflation increases hampered works and drove up the costs of the project, but with further government and community support, the project proceeded.

1974

1975

The Hazardous Areas Authority Program was established via VicRoads for driver training in high altitude and difficult conditions (ie. Snow and black ice hazard).

November 1, 1974 finally saw the official opening of the Goulburn Valley Driver Training Complex, the region’s first dedicated driver training facility.

1978-1980

Further extensions were erected during this time which included the development of a new Truck and Bus Division.

1977

1985

1984

The range in courses became very extensive and staff numbers increased considerably. The complex also celebrated ten years of operation and became a non-profit company limited by guarantee after separation from the Shepparton College of TAFE was granted.

1981

On July 1, 1977 new classrooms, a staffroom and a workshop were opened with additional vehicles for newly introduced courses.

The complex, as a component of Shepparton Technical School moved into a TAFE system.

Two significant grants were also received of $250,000 and $500,000 from the Ministry of Transport and Treasury respectively for further roadworks and the development of a ‘skid pan’ facility.

The Goulburn Valley Driver Training Complex Limited commenced operation as Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA) to provide a national acceptance and identification.

1985

1986

The Melbourne office of DECA commenced operation, further growing staff numbers. There was also a new building erected to accommodate additional classrooms, resource facilities and staff.

And recognition for the facility’s operation increased nationally and expanded into the South Pacific region.

In recognition of Victoria’s 150th Anniversary, the Prince and Princess of Wales participated in a tour of DECA enjoying demonstrations of the facility’s operation.

1987

Through promotion in the international market, DECA’s services expanded to Papua New Guinea and South-East Asia.

1976

Following an Education Department Seminar held at the complex, the complex was recognised for its relevance as a Technical Schools Division and steps were taken to bring the complex under the Victorian Education Department’s jurisdiction.

DEVELOPING CORE SKILLS, AT EVERY LEVEL

GRAHAM THOMPSON MOTORS

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AS a Registered Training Organisation, DECA offers a host of core programs delivering the highest quality education utilising the most up-to-date theoretical and practical training techniques.

From Safe Student Driver Programs, Motorcycle and Scooter Training, Car Driver Training, 4WD Driver and Towing Training right through to the more advanced Truck Driver Training, Bus and Coach Driver Training, Fatigue Management Training, Hazardous Areas Authority programs, Stability Programs, Forklift and Warehousing Programs and the all new Outdoor Works Program.

DECA Shepparton Business Manager, Warren Smith said, “Here at DECA we target drivers at all levels. From young people who may never have driven a motor vehicle before right through to very experienced truck drivers who may have been driving for 30 or 40 years. Our programs are about honing driver skills at all levels.

“Our programs have very much evolved over the years, but the core concept of driver training is still the same. Our Nationally Accredited programs are designed to improve driving skills at every level.”

GV SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

SATUR DAY 1ST NO V2 014

CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS 1994/1995

The Altona site of DECA was developed from an old school into a state-of-the-art division of DECA with demolition works and rebuild being completed and officially opened on April 22, 2005.

2003

2008

DECA operations in Newborough and Carrum Downs commenced on May 16, 2003 further branching DECA’s reach to areas of Victoria.

DECA was recruited as a working party with the Dubai Road Transport Industry on a major project in Dubai to improve driver licensing programs and systems based on DECA’s Australian model.

2009

DECA introduced specialised state-of-the-art Stability Programs for heavy vehicle training.

2010

DECA secured a major army contract for 4x4 driver training with cadets at the Puckapunyal Army Base.

2014

DECA and its dedicated team of staff continue to strive to produce leading driver education programs to be modelled throughout Australia and internationally into the future.

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1998

A DECA base was established in Riverstone, Sydney creating a permanent central New South Wales post for DECA services.

1982

Training for Instructors in conjunction with Hawthorn Institute of Education was introduced. The complex’s rapid growth and uniqueness prompted an application to TAFE for the complex to be separated from the Shepparton College of TAFE.

2002/2003

DECA was recruited to head a special driver training program for the release of a brand new car division in China.

2004

DECA created a unique model of driver training delivery, reaching all areas of Tasmania with a base in Moonah near Hobart.

2010

DECA introduced state-of-the-art simulators providing computerised skills based training.

2012

DECA amalgamated with Wodonga TAFE providing a unique collaboration between the two organisations and improving efficiencies through the partnership.

The collaboration encompassed a new branch of service delivery through the National Industry Skills Training Centre (NISTC) branch of Wodonga TAFE, Motor Sports Division as well as DECA in Shepparton, Altona North, Carrum Downs, Newborough, Puckapunyal, Tasmania, Riverstone in Sydney.

L & P MACKIN

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Adviser staff for there effort in putting this feature together.” - Warren Smith Manager, DECA Shepparton

1983

The Goulburn Valley Driver Training Complex Limited introduced the popular custom made Careful Cobbers driver education program for school aged children. George Hill, a Trainer at the complex who had an engineering background built the mechanics for the Careful Cobbers, which went on to become one of complex’s most loved programs.

H & H RENTAL & SALES

AWARDS AND RECNOGNITION… During their 40th birthday celebrations, DECA staff members from across Australia were recognised for their service and commitment to excellence in program development. Pictured, (left) DECA Carrum Downs branch award recipients, (right) DECA Shepparton Business Manager, Warren Smith and long serving Shepparton team member, Greg Sutherland wrapped up proceedings. Photos: Madeleine Caccianiga.

CMV TRUCK & BUS

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