Learner drivers give back
The Baw Baw L2P program is continuing to assist young Learner drivers gain safe driving practises.
Since beginning the program in 2009, 115 young people have gained their Ps, giving them the opportunity to search for and gain further training, education and job opportunities.
In 2014 Ziggy Laity moved to Melbourne to live, working at the Flemington Racetrack as a strapper, with first class trainers and racehorses.
Travis MacDonald’s 2015 Ps meant he could be based in Hallam, laying communication cables.
The year 2016 saw Jacob Bell and Simon Ginters take on delivery driving in rural and metropolitan regions.
Amy Kettunen’s licence in 2017 gave her the choice of driving to Victoria University Footscray for law and psychology studies.
Some of the past participants regularly come back to visit their mentors and coordinator Beth Carr.
One of the 2012 group, Tim Moss, completed the mentor training last year and has co-mentored Cameron Walkinshaw during 2017. Tim said he was determined to ‘give back’, but he’s also currently undertaking train driver training so time is precious.
Giving back is happening with current and past learners.
During 2016 Baw Baw L2P had a major fundraiser, with market days to promote awareness and sell raffle tickets.
The learners talked to market-goers, giving information and answering questions about their involvement. The 2017 Bunnings barbecue day has equal numbers of mentors and learners help to raise $600.
The latest ‘giving back’ is through the Baw Baw Shire Council’s meals on wheels program.
So far, Nick Whitehead, Kiara Jasper and Emily Humme have taken a turn to collect meals from the base point, driving the L2P car on the meal route, to assist mentors and Meals on Wheels volunteers Lyn Plew and Beth Carr deliver the meals to waiting community members.
This has been an excellent way of connecting young people positively, giving them further driving practice, street identification, sign recognition and best of all, pride in taking part and giving back.