The last local Driver Reviver

Volunteer Maxine Platell.
Volunteer Maxine Platell.

Rathdowney, south of Beaudesert, is home to the Scenic Rim’s only remaining Driver Reviver site.

Driver Reviver rest stops, run by volunteers, supply free tea, coffee and snacks for travellers and encourage drivers to take a break for road safety.

While other towns like Beaudesert and Boonah lost their Driver Reviver service in recent years, Rathdowney was chosen as the place to start a new one about three years ago.

The nearest Driver Reviver sites are now at Gladfield in the Southern Downs and Amberley.

During school holidays from 9am to 3pm, volunteers at the Rathdowney Visitor Information Centre have the kettle running hot and biscuits handy for travellers who pop in for a rest.

They also have plenty of local knowledge to share and local goods for visitors to buy.

Rathdowney Area Development and Historical Association President Dave Cockburn said it was good to be able to provide the service.

“Most travellers like to stop and refresh themselves and we’ve got the museum and the information thing there for them, so it’s a good marriage of the two services,” he said.

“The beauty of Rathdowney is a lot of travellers come via Summerland Way over the Mt Lindesay Highway and we’re the first Driver Reviver coming into Queensland.

“It’s a shame to see the other Driver Revivers having closed down with what I understand was very little consultation, because it is a valued service as demonstrated by the people who call in – they really value having somewhere safe to have a break from their long drive.

“Through the program we gained funding and also the Council was involved with the electronic signboard to promote Driver Reviver and also to share community information at the front of the visitor centre. Main Roads also helped us with some parking improvements for travellers and improved signage at both entries to Rathdowney, so I think Driver Reviver helped get that investment.”

Volunteer Maxine Platell, who has been involved with the Rathdowney Visitor Information Centre on and off since the 1980s, said it was a good incentive.

“It comes down to road safety and people being able to stop and stretch their legs, have a cuppa and a biscuit, break the journey up a bit.”

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About Susie Cunningham 0 Articles
Journalist telling the stories of where I live. I love living and working in Beaudesert and when I'm not working you'll see me walking the dogs with my husband Zac.