Armidale's Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will again host a Driver Reviver station during the Christmas - New Year break, with the local service shaping up to be a pioneer for the state-wide Driver Reviver program.
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Council is partnering with Armidale Lions Club and Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) to operate the local service, which is at the helm of a move to establish Driver Reviver stations linked to Visitor Information Centres.
"The Driver Reviver Station at the Armidale VIC was popular when it was offered for the first time during the September school holidays," Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley said.
"It's a terrific boost for road safety during a busy time on the roads, while helping to attract people to visit and stay in Armidale and surrounds.
"Having the Armidale station at the VIC and on the Driver Reviver state-wide app will be a great plus for visitation to the city."
The Armidale Visitor Information Centre is one of the first venues to take part in a new Driver Reviver partnership with the RMS, which encourages situating stations at Visitor Information Centres.
Armidale's original Driver Reviver site on the New England Highway was closed many years ago and the city has been without a Driver Reviver until the Council-operated VIC took the initiative and joined forces with Armidale Lions Club to establish the new service.
"While the Visitor Information Centre isn't located on the highway, it is a wonderful venue because of the access to the central business district, playgrounds, toilets, an electric vehicle charging station and plenty of parking for cars, caravans and motorhomes," Cr Tiley said.
"The program and its app encourage visitors to detour off the New England Highway and stop for a break in Armidale.
"While they are enjoying a free cuppa and biscuit, they can find out more about our city," he said.
"It opens their eyes to options while they're in town and can entice them to plan a future visit."
The Driver Reviver will be open on 24 December and then from 27 December to 4 January from 10am-3pm.
