Free Cuppa for the Driver Business Registrations Now Open

Published on 19 October 2020

Local businesses are invited to help tackle driver fatigue by registering to take part in next year's ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme.

The multi award-winning driver fatigue awareness campaign encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cuppa and to take a break from driving long distances. The scheme will run from 1 March to 31 May in 2021.

The campaign sees partnerships formed between participating Councils and local businesses with Councils providing the marketing and administering the scheme whilst participating businesses provide the free cups of tea and coffee.

Snowy Valleys Council’s Road Safety Officer Anthony Carroll, said that while the 2020 scheme didn’t go to plan due to COVID state travel restrictions, next year’s campaign is expected to see a large increase in domestic road travel as international travel and domestic flights remain heavily restricted or reduced. 

“In 2021 it will be more important than ever to encourage drivers to stop, revive and survive with so many more people on the roads,” said Mr Carroll.

Since its inception eleven years ago, the 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme has given away more than 27,000 free cuppas in 265 participating businesses across 91 towns, villages and cities in regional NSW.

Trev’s Place in Khancoban was involved last year joining participating businesses all across the Western and Southern areas of the state including a variety of cafes, bakeries, service stations, clubs and pubs. 

Mr Carroll said the support and involvement of the local businesses is essential to the success of the program and potentially saving lives on our roads.

"We'd love to see existing businesses return again 2021 and warmly welcome new business partners as well.

"The scheme is a win for road safety as drivers are encouraged to take a rest/break, a win for local villages and towns as they attract increased visitation and a win for the participating businesses who can attract increased customers and business,” he said.

A new website is being launched for the 2021 scheme along with a new social media approach, radio advertising and targeting key market segments such as grey nomads, motorcyclists and families.

The closing date for Phase Eleven (2021) registrations is Friday 30 October 2020.

If your business would like to participate in the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme please contact Anthony Carroll by email: [email protected].

 -ENDS-