Road trauma insights shared by Benalla SES veteran Graham Milner

By Benalla Ensign

May 27, 2025

Benalla SES and Lions Club member Graham Milner recently spoke to the Lions about his 17 years of experience of road trauma. Photo by Simon Ruppert

At a recent meeting of the Benalla Lions Club, Graham Milner gave a presentation about his 17 years of experience of road trauma as a member of the Benalla SES.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Graham, who is also a member of the Benalla Lions Club, also speaks as an emergency service volunteer with Amber Community, a not-for-profit organisation focused on providing free counselling to anyone affected by road trauma, and education regarding safe driving.

“The presentation gave those present an understanding of the effect of road crashes on emergency service volunteers, including members of the public who observe an incident,” Graham said.

“The police and ambulance personal are included in the ripple effect.”

Graham said his experience had shown that road fatality numbers were a tragedy that could be greatly reduced if people chose to drive within the road laws, took a break to remove fatigue, did not have any distractions when driving and did not drive when affected by drugs or alcohol.

“Road crashes do not just result in fatalities, many casualties receive quality-of-life changes, physical and mental injuries,” he said.

Following the presentation, the Benalla Lions Club’s incoming president, Peter Brown, acknowledged the assistance members of the SES gave to the community when emergencies occurred.

The Benalla Lions Club recently donated $500 to assist Amber Community in its continued counselling and education program.

Amber Community can be contacted on 1300 367 797 or at ambercommunity.org.au