New Prize for Young Multicultural Creators in TAC’s Split Second Competition To Highlight Diverse Voices in Road Safety

The Victorian Government and Transport Accident Commission (TAC)’s Split Second Competition has opened for entries, calling on young people across Victoria to harness their creative skills to help save lives on our roads.

In its 6th year running, this unique initiative gives emerging filmmakers, storytellers, creatives and content creators the chance to make a difference by addressing critical road safety issues through powerful storytelling. The 2024 competition focuses on two risky road safety behaviours: fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt.

This year, TAC is introducing a new prize specifically for young creators from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, recognising the unique perspectives they bring to the conversation about road safety. By highlighting young multicultural voices, the competition aims to make road safety messages resonate across Victoria’s many communities, contributing to safer roads for everyone.

Speaking about the importance of involving young diverse voices in tackling road safety issues, TAC CEO, Tracey Slatter, says: “Split Second has shown us over the years that, through the power of creativity, young Victorians can influence attitudes and behaviours among their peers. Adding a prize for multicultural creators brings new voices into the conversation and reflects the diversity of our state.”

The two competition winners will each receive a $5,000 cash prize, a $35,000 production budget, and mentorship from industry professionals to bring their vision to life.

Open to all people aged 18 to 30 who live in Victoria - including international students - the Split Second Competition invites young people with a passion for storytelling to pitch compelling and creative ideas for a 45-second short film that will be used as a safety campaign.

Past winner, Sati Ocal, credits the Split Second Competition with helping launch her career. “Not only has the TAC’s Split Second Competition allowed me to produce really meaningful content, but it has also created a number of opportunities as I complete my study and look to take the leap into the creative industry,” she says.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, speaks about the power of the Split Second competition to drive social change: “Fatigue and hesitation around seatbelt use remain significant contributors to road trauma in Victoria, and it only takes a split second for a life to be changed forever,” she says. “By engaging young filmmakers and content creators, the Split Second competition aims to bring fresh, impactful perspectives on how these risks can be prevented.”

Entries are open until 24 November. For more details, visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/split-second.