Driving to success
As the Baw Baw L2P program heads towards its 11th year, it is seeking new learner driver participants and volunteer mentors.
The Warragul-based service has helped 157 participants achieve their probationary licences.
Program coordinator Beth Carr reflected on the stories of participants as well as impact on mentors.
Baw Baw L2P provides supervising driving sessions and vehicles. But the the program is also a significant, meaningful pathway for the young participants to gain life direction.
Jess will be returning to school next year, with glasses and determination to succeed. Tanika applied for university and scholarships and stays in contact with her past mentor, keeping him informed about her achievements and challenges.
Travis has been driving to his Hallam employment and has bought a small farm. Amy is studying law at university but chooses to live and have part-time work locally.
Cameron has a baker apprenticeship and drives himself to work starting at 2am. Fiona is travelling around Australia, seeing the country and working in hospitality.
Messi is in Melbourne with a seven-year tiling contract at Docklands. Katherine has found a job at Yarragon and commenced nursing studies at TAFE Gippsland. Her sister Claire can drive between two local jobs.
Ms Carr said the volunteer mentors give time, patience, support and encouragement to guide young drivers in learning the road rules and driving in all weather conditions. This includes handling low then higher speed roads, complex driving situations and ensuring there is plenty of practice.
“To see the look of pride on the mentor’s face after their learner passes their Ps test is marvellous,” said Ms Carr. “It would be so rewarding for all parents to come and complete our L2P Mentor training and have so many more clues and supervising strategies to guide their children to become safer drivers.”
Ms Carr praised the many supporters and sponsors of Baw Baw L2P.
“The ongoing TAC funding covers basic costs but vehicle leasing, comprehensive insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, signage, identifying clothing and further learner costs associated with their wellbeing, as well as fuel vouchers for out-of-towner mentors and their skills development sessions, are just some of the reasons why we are so grateful to so many in our community,” added Ms Carr.
Young people with a learner permit who do not have access to a roadworthy car or a licenced supervising driver, can find out more by visiting bawbawL2P.org or calling Beth Carr on 0408 039 091.