The difference a licence can make
Published on 07 March 2017
The difference a licence can make
MEDIA RELEASE
Gannawarra Shire Council is supporting a call to the State Government for additional resourcing for the L2P Learner Driver Program.
A recent report released by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria shows concerns are rising about youth unemployment and the risk that disadvantaged young people may remain seriously marginalised from the rest of the community.
“We know that 41% of unemployed young Australians have no driving license,” said Youth Affairs Council Victoria CEO Georgie Ferrari, referring to the recent U-Turn report by the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
A new report from Youth Affairs Council Victoria calls for additional resourcing for the state’s L2P driver-mentor program, to ensure the program can be accessed by all eligible young people. The L2P program (funded by TAC and managed by VicRoads) links learner drivers under the age of 21 who don’t have access to a car or a supervising driver with volunteer mentors, who help them get 120 hours’ practice in readiness for their probationary license. The young people also receive free driving lessons.
Gannawarra Mayor Brian Gibson adds the L2P Program has proven to be a great success since its inception in Gannawarra in 2009.
“The L2P program has assisted many young people in the Gannawarra area to increase their supervised driving hours, gain experience behind the wheel and learn to become a safe and accountable driver on our roads. In addition, our volunteers are fantastic and do a marvellous job of supporting young people in this important step in their lives.”
“The L2P Program also provides an opportunity for social connectedness of youth to their local community through the mentoring that occurs.”
The Gannawarra L2P Program does currently have vacancies for learner drivers aged 16-21 who need assistance to gain 120 hours of driving experience.
Council are also seeking volunteers to become mentors to learner drivers.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Phillip Tennant on 0427 223 450.
For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website
www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au
…ENDS…
Date: 7 March 2017
Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627