Transport lessons
Use the archived classroom activities
CityRail Youth Safety Outreach Program
About the program
Everyday in NSW there are either near misses, injuries or deaths that occur because young people are not aware of the dangers associated with being on or near railway lines. Sadly, the sometimes horrific injuries that occur could often have been prevented.
The CityRail Youth Safety Outreach Program helps young people identify behaviour that is unsafe, assess the risks involved and devise alternatives to dangerous and at times potentially fatal behaviour.
The program is delivered by Jonathan Beninca, who has first hand experience of injury, having been hit by a train while trespassing at the age of 19.
Jonathan is available to come and speak to your school or community group, free of charge.
Each presentation can focus on particular issues that you are experiencing.
Presentation formats available
1. Short talk for large audience
A 15-minute presentation targeted at larger audiences like school assemblies, fairs, or any other event involving large audiences.
2. Risk taking behaviour (suitable for groups of up to 30 people)
A one hour interactive presentation. This session focuses on the life long consequences an individual faces when seriously injured.
3. Behavioural issues on rail (suitable for groups of up to
30 people)
A one hour presentation delivered jointly by
Jonathan and a RailCorp Transit Officer. This session
includes not only areas of safety, but participants are also
made aware of the legal consequences of unacceptable
behaviour.
We use Jonathan as a visual for young adults as for most his story cuts right through the attitude of invincibility.
All these presentations are free of charge and can be incorporated into any existing program currently running within your organisation.
CityRail presenter profile – Jonathan Beninca
In 1999, Jonathan Beninca was a healthy 19 year old who enjoyed all the usual things, sport, socialising and partying. After one Friday night drinking session he decided to catch a train to another suburb. Thinking the trains had stopped for the night he jumped down on the tracks and started walking. His life was to change forever. His next recollection was waking in hospital minus his right arm, leg and several fingers on his left hand.
Today, Jonathan - who’s miraculously alive and highly articulate - is a powerful motivational speaker. He talks with young people about the dangers of trespassing on railway tracks and other related themes, such as safely using trains and public transport. He impresses young people when talking about self-esteem and has presented at NSW Youth Forums organised by RailCorp and the NSW Office of Children and Young people.
Everyday in NSW there are either near misses, injuries or deaths that occur because young people are not aware of the dangers associated with being on or near railway lines. Sadly, the sometimes horrific injuries that occur could often have been prevented.
