THE Rotary Club of Warrnambool East recently named Victoria Police’s Hamilton Highway Patrol, sergeant Darren Smart as 2022 winner of the Dr John Birrell OAM – Western Region Division 2 (WD2) Road Safety Practitioner of the Year.

Sgt Smart generously nominated Western District Health Service (WDHS) as the recipient of the $2500 prize money to go towards the MRI for U&I campaign.

The award was established by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East and the Warrnambool Police in honour of Dr John Birrell OAM (1924 – 2003) a former police surgeon.

Dr Birrell tirelessly campaigned for road safety and was instrumental in introducing breath testing of drivers and compulsory wearing of seat belts.

Sgt Smart was recognised by his peers for his outstanding work around road safety, having made a significant contribution to reducing the road toll in the region over the past year.

He was also recognised for showing integrity, work ethics, setting the standard regarding organisation values and his engagement with stakeholders.

WD2 takes in Portland, Warrnambool and Hamilton regions.

WDHS acting chief executive, Nick Starkie attended the presentation by Rotary Club of Warrnambool East and was thrilled to receive the donation and expressed gratitude to Sgt Smart.