L2P hope for 100th graduate
Baw Baw’s L2P learner driver program hopes to soon see the graduation of its 100th probationary driver.
Baw Baw L2P is holding a Towards Zero gala fundraising dinner at the Warragul Country Club’s function centre on Saturday, October 22 from 6.45pm to 11pm.
Baw Baw L2P has been working with young learner drivers from throughout the shire since 2009.
Baw Baw L2P was one of the original programs with Bass Coast, East Gippsland, Wellington and Geelong.
There are 30 learner drivers involved in the program at all times. For a range of reasons, these young drivers are unable to gain the minimum Vic Roads required 120 hours of supervised logged driving time.
Volunteer mentors are trained to guide, supervise, advise, encourage and expand the learners’ safe driving practices, road rules knowledge and hazard perception with a commitment to creating a “safer generation of drivers.”
TAC funds cover basic operating funds, managed by VicRoads.
Many businesses, companies, clubs, groups and community members also support the program.
The stories from some of the Baw Baw L2P graduates include:
Fiona
Fiona gained her licence in September 2013, the program’s 49th graduate.
“Before L2P without my licence I was walking everywhere or having to annoy my mum or sisters for a lift. I missed out on a lot of things, was late to things or just didn’t go because someone couldn’t take me there or I didn’t want to be annoying and ask.
“My options for jobs were limited to a certain radius. After going through a few jobs I ended up working at the same place as my mum so I could get a lift in with her.
“Not convenient for them because it meant I could only do one shift, the same that matched with hers. And I could never be called in for a shift. I’m very lucky they kept me on.
“I found out about L2P through one of my mum’s friends who saw an ad in the Gazette. I thought I would give it a shot, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
“When I met Beth at Community House I could tell she really wanted to help me, and that’s all she’s done from day one, for me and so many other kids.
“She was always there when I had a question or needed an extra bit of support. Always out and about doing something to help the kids and this program thrive.
“Getting my hours up was a long road but I got there eventually. I couldn’t have done it if it weren’t for L2P.
“Since getting my Ps I have moved out of home closer to Melbourne, where I have met some amazing people and had jobs and experiences I could never have gotten before. I have been able to study, have worked for a big insurance company in an office in St Kilda. I have volunteered with the RSPCA and other local council programs. I have had numerous jobs in different fields and places, all of which I could not have been able to get to without a car.
“Beth and all the mentors were beyond amazing in supporting me to achieve my end goal; a license, some freedom, and new beginnings. The more people that support this program, the better opportunity the kids will get to hopefully have great experiences like I have.”
Maharlia
Maharlia gained her licence in April 2015, the program’s 76th graduate.
“I was studying year 12 in 2014 and also had a part time job at Coles. I would ride a bike to work or walk if I couldn’t get a lift, even in the rain. It was important that I had a job as I have four siblings, Dad works in Berwick and Mum is at home, so money helped me and my family.
“I was determined to get my licence first go and the VicRoads tester told me she was really pleased with the way I drove. I was sweating the whole way!
“I bought an Astra when I was 17 and still at school but it needed a roadworthy. That took a while but I managed my money well. Once I had my Ps, I could drive my own car.
“I did a Security Course, driving to Rowville for four weeks last October, so perhaps I can get work at concerts. I catch up with friends now, work out at Voyage gym two or three times a week, and share driving with Dad, as we both work fulltime at a Berwick Seedlings company.
“All this happened because I gained my Ps with the help of Baw Baw L2P. I want to help L2P because L2P helped me.”
Paige
Paige gained her licence in July this year, the program’s 94th graduate.
“I’m studying year 12. I only made contact with Beth and Baw Baw L2P in May 2016. I needed help to get my logged hours all completed and to make sure I was driving safely because my dad died suddenly in January this year and my mum is studying business and accounting. I have two younger siblings so mum just hasn’t been able to give the time needed to supervise my driving this year.
“Two months after becoming an L2P learner, I got my Ps. Two mentors supervised my driving and the RACV driving instructor did some finetuning. Now, I’m more independent.
“I can leave home whenever I want to, work extra hours at Hungry Jack’s because I don’t need to ask Mum to drop everything to come to collect me late at night and I can help Mum by taking my siblings to and from schools.
“In 2017 I intend to study design and business at Griffiths University, Qld. It will be a change of scenery, an adventure, but I have some family living there. Thanks to L2P for supporting and helping me.”
Gala dinner tickets are $100 each and include a three course dinner, road safety guest speaker, Victoria Police pipe band, entrainment and door prizes.
The Baw Baw program also is running a raffle of a new Holden Spark vehicle and the raffle will be drawn on the night. Julie Metaxotos launched her new book A Fractured Life, which details her journey to recovery after being severely injured in a 2013 Christmas eve crash