After putting major Federal Government funding to good use by designing, developing and trialling the unique and innovative technology, volunteers have been sought for their ‘Alpha’ release.

On Tuesday, local volunteer Alan Fuller jumped in the virtual driver’s seat to navigate his way around a 3D modelling of the streets of Inverell.

Alan described the experience as slightly different to driving in real life however, he said it was effective once “you get used to it”.

“You don’t have traffic around you, even though you find yourself still looking sideways at times. Once you get used to the different experience you can mainly concentrate on the driving,” he said.

The first release in the product development cycle, the ‘Alpha’, is only a very basic model to ensure minor elements are perfected before further development.

Project manager Alicia Eugene said the Alpha will go through a week of volunteer testing before it is taken back to Deakin University in Geelong for further tweaking.

“We’ve got these amazing volunteers who are testing it for us and giving feedback. In September Hector will return with a few refinements and new features for further testing.

“Then hopefully by November we will have a final release product which will eventually be based in Inverell. At the moment our 3D modelling of the township is basic but eventually the street buildings will have colours, signs and proper shells,” she said.

Alan said his overall first experience was positive, passing his simulation test with flying colours.

“It gives you some indication of what your reaction times are and some of the bad habits you’ve been doing without noticing,” he laughed.

Alicia said the project recognised the importance of Australia’s elderly retaining their drivers licences to maintain independence.

“We realise sometimes the decisions around relinquishing a driver’s licence can be difficult. When this gets to a final release stage we hope older people will be able to use it to practice their driving skills in a safe, no-risk environment.

“It will also be able to give completely objective results about reaction times, observing speed limits, acknowledging stop signs and general road rules,” she said.

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Alan said he had no desire to relinquish his driver’s licence any time soon, which his results backed up!

“I still like the independence of driving, I enjoy driving. We visit our family and grandchildren a lot so it’s an important part of our lives.”

A room at McLean Care has been modified to meet the needs of the cutting-edge VR tech and fit the car simulator, an actual car that has been cut in half, named ‘Hector’ after McLean Care founder Hector Neil McLean.

Alicia acknowledged the overwhelming level of support the project has received from the Inverell community so far.

She said the level of interest shown by older residents has been a welcomed surprise for all involved in the project.

“I think that it really challenges the stereotype that older people aren’t interested in technology or can’t use technology,” she said.