Family driven by beach driving tragedy
A Burpengary East couple is using the tragic loss of their son as a powerful tool to raise road safety awareness.
In 2021, Harrison ‘Harry’ Payne, 18, was a passenger in a dual-cab ute being driven recklessly by a friend on Woorim Beach, Bribie Island.
The vehicle rolled, throwing Harry from the cabin and killing him instantly.
The driver was charged and pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death. In 2022, a Queensland District Court sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended after nine months, and disqualified him from driving for three years.
Determined to make a difference, Harry’s parents, Kylie and Kent, launched the Harrison Payne Initiative to promote road and off-road safety and support families affected by tragedies.
Sharing Harry's story for impact
They share Harry’s story in schools, online, and at community events to encourage responsible driving and passenger advocacy.
Kylie said sharing stories like Harry’s made the message of road safety more personal and memorable.
“We’re just a mum and dad from the suburbs who tragically lost our youngest son but we want more people to hear Harry’s story and tell their kids about him and what happened,” Kylie said.
“We aim to fill gaps in formal driver education, especially around beach and 4WD safety.
“If we can save one life, then we’re happy.”
Harrison Payne lost his life at the age of 18 because of a reckless driver.
Rules apply when driving on the beach
Kylie said many drivers wrongly viewed beaches as recreational zones and not regulated roads, despite road rules still applying.
“Research and anecdotal evidence show that drivers often relax too much on beaches or off-road, which can lead to serious consequences,” she said.
“Crashes and injuries are becoming more common, especially with the rise in 4WD usage.
“Fatalities have occurred due to rollovers, collisions, and vehicles hitting sunbathers or campers – often because drivers were too relaxed or unaware.
“It’s a classic case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’—but the risks are very real.”
Raising funds to spread message
The initiative raises funds through merchandise sales and events like Deadlift for Harry, which blends Harry’s love of fitness with community engagement and fundraising.
Merchandise is branded with Harry’s number plate HKP03 and is meant to start conversations about safety.
“Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting families and expanding safety education programs,” Kylie said.
“These gatherings aren’t just fundraisers – they’re moments of remembrance, solidarity, and hope.”
The Harrison Payne Initiative also offers practical support, emotional care, and community connection to those affected by road tragedies.
This includes financial assistance for funeral costs, mental health services, and daily living expenses – helping families focus on healing without being overwhelmed by immediate financial pressures.
“We also connect families with counselling services and peer support networks, creating safe spaces for people to share their stories and find strength in community,” Kylie said.
The Harrison Payne Initiative’s core messages
The initiative promotes four key safety messages:Drive responsibly – everywhere
- Whether you're on the road or the beach, your choices behind the wheel matter.
- Understand the terrain, adjust your speed, and never treat off-road driving like a thrill ride.
Speak up as a passenger
- If something feels unsafe, say something.
- Empower passengers – especially young ones – to advocate for their own safety.
Think before you drive
- Consider the people inside and outside your vehicle.
- One reckless moment can change lives forever.
Respect the rules
- Road rules exist for a reason – follow them, even in places where enforcement feels lax.
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