Local Businesses Donate Car to Crash Victim
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In late 2023, Fastlane Motor Group, a local car dealership, sold a Mitsubishi Pajero Mini to a young woman named Lara-Louise Bama. Only a few months later, Lara-Louise was involved in a horrific crash on Hale Street in Paddington.
A 19-year-old P-plater smashed his Toyota Celica into the back of her vehicle, causing it to flip and crash into another car. Dashcam footage of the accident was aired on ABC Brisbane, capturing the shocking incident.
Unbelievably, Lara-Louise walked away from the crash with only minor cuts and bruises. However, the P-plater who crashed into her was uninsured, leaving Lara-Louise not only without a car but also with a finance loan that still needed to be paid off.
Charlie Dawson, the Director of Fastlane Motor Group, saw Lara-Louise’s husband post photos of the crashed car in a Pajero Mini enthusiasts’ Facebook group. Recognising her and the vehicle immediately, Charlie was moved by her story. He reached out to several of his subcontractors, and together, they pulled their resources to gift Lara-Louise a Mitsubishi Pajero Mini to replace her crashed one—free of charge.
Fastlane Motor Group supplied the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, MNA Body Works gave it a fresh coat of paint, Detailing Innovations ensured the car was spotless inside and out, and Impact Media captured the handover on film.
Fastlane Motor Group is a family-owned and operated car dealership that has been selling quality used vehicles in the Redlands for more than a decade. Lara-Louise’s story is a testament to the power of community and the goodwill that can emerge even in the aftermath of a tragic event.
Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.
