Lessons learned at Safe Seats, Safe Kids Mansfield Event
Published on 17 April 2026
Kidsafe Victoria visited Mansfield on 25 March to deliver its Safe Seats, Safe Kids program, to help local families ensure their children are travelling safely in vehicles on Mansfield Shire roads.
The free initiative, funded by the Maternal and Child Health Service, provided child car restraint checks, professional fittings and practical education for parents and carers. During the session, Kidsafe Victoria specialists worked directly with local families, inspecting and fitting a wide range of child car restraints and offering tailored, hands-on guidance.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie believes the event provided an effective safety tool for local families and the broader Mansfield Shire community.
“Any event that encourages road safety in Mansfield Shire is a worthwhile investment in the community,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the families who came to learn and to the Kidsafe Victoria specialists who came to teach them. Expert guidance can make a big difference. Small changes or adjustments can improve the safety of the youngest members of our community as they travel on our roads.”
A review of the outcomes from the session showed that while 22 percent of child car restraints were correctly installed and adjusted on arrival, the majority benefited from professional input.
The session helped identify issues such as loose forward-facing seats and demonstrated effective solutions, including the correct use of accessories like belt clamps. After the session, many participants reported increased confidence and reassurance that their child car restraints were now installed securely and safely.
Programs like Safe Seats, Safe Kids play a vital role in building confidence among parents and carers, helping ensure children are correctly restrained and protected on local roads. The initiative reinforces the value of accessible, preventative safety programs delivered directly within the community and supports safer travel outcomes for Mansfield families.
For more information about the Safe Seats, Safe Kids program, upcoming sessions and more resources visit www.kidsafevic.com.au or contact Council's Maternal Child Health Service.