VicRoads inspired to donate plates to charity

Charities across Victoria will now be eligible for free custom licence plates after a letter from an eight-year-old girl inspired the head of VicRoads.

Charities across Victoria will now be eligible for free custom licence plates after a letter from an eight-year-old girl inspired the head of VicRoads.

Earlier this year, Logan McKimmie wrote to VicRoads chief executive Michael Malouf asking to reserve a custom plate for local wildlife charity Help for Wildlife.

The Kinglake local had saved $53 and was hoping to reserve the “H4WILD” plate while the small organisation worked to buy itself a new vehicle.

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Mr Malouf responded by not only gifting the plate to Logan but announcing a new initiative that will provide the often-expensive plates to the state’s worthiest causes.

“We’ve also realised that there is an opportunity to help the community further which is why we’re establishing the Community Plate program,” Mr Malouf said.

“From next year, we’ll be giving away up to three custom plates a year to assist eligible community organisations, charities and not-for-profit groups.”

Logan, 8, hopes VicRoads will gift her the custom H4WILD number plate for a wildlife rescue vehicle she is raising money for. Picture: David Caird

Logan said she was overwhelmed with happiness when presented with the plates.

“I had a little bit of a cry. I’ve known about this charity since I was four when I helped an injured tawny frogmouth near our house,” she said.

“I hope this will help them raise some more money to buy a new car.”

Groups or individuals will be able to apply for the plate of their choosing on the VicRoads website and a judging panel will assess which ones to grant from early next year.

Roads Minister Jaala Pulford said: “It’s heartwarming to see young Victorians, like Logan, committed to helping their community.

“We’re proud to support this initiative which will enable other groups and individuals to apply for a custom plate of their choosing.”

To donate Logan’s cause for Help for Wildlife go to gofundme.com/gps8nm-help-for-wildlife