Mentors in demand for learners

Mentors are in high demand for a learner-driver program underway in Ararat, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees municipalities.

Program co-ordinator Penny Walton-bourke said six new volunteer mentors participated in a recent training session.

“It’s been very exciting to welcome some new mentors on board, but interest in the program is steadily increasing and we are on the lookout for more members of the community to sign up and help a young person gain their probationary licence,” she said.

Central Grampians LLEN leads the TAC L2P Program in the three municipalities.

L2P is a learner-driver program for people aged 16 and older without access to a supervising driver or vehicle.

Organisers match participants with a trained mentor who provides a positive learning environment for the young driver to gain the 120 hours of supervised driving needed to qualify for their probationary licence.

Ms Walton-bourke said mentor training could be completed in one day and places were available for the next session, once COVID-19 regulations allowed it.

She said mentors could commit as little as one hour a week to the program, or partner with another mentor and share a learner.

“L2P is a really fantastic program that has given many local young people the opportunity to not only gain their P-plates, but build confidence and independence,” she said.

“Mentors are such a vital part of L2P and they often find it just as rewarding as the young drivers.

“Becoming a mentor does not require a big time commitment and is an easy way to have a positive influence on a young person’s future.

“We are lucky to have some incredible mentors as part of our team, but due to an influx of new drivers, we desperately need extra volunteers to keep the program running smoothly.”

Ms Walton-bourke said CGLLEN was expanding the L2P Program to cover St Arnaud, but there was also a need for mentors in Ararat, Stawell and Beaufort.

To be eligible to become an L2P mentor people must be older than 21, hold a current Victorian driver’s licence and be willing to undergo a driver-history check and a Working with Children check.

Anyone interested in becoming an L2P driver mentor can call Ms Walton-bourke on 5352 3266 or 0418 535 478.