Representatives from government, business and the public joined the City of Casey Mayor Councillor Susan Serey at Bunjil Place recently to celebrate 10 years of the TAC L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program in Casey.
The L2P program assists learners between 16 and 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence. The Casey branch of this initiative began in 2009 with 25 learner drivers, a handful of committed and enthusiastic volunteers and one car, which was donated to the program by Berwick Mazda.
Cr Serey told the audience that the Casey L2P program has grown from 25 learner places to 55, making it one of the biggest in the State.
“This has supported over 300 learners, including 10 enhanced learner places for young people with higher needs,” she said, “And the program has successfully helped 137 learners to attain their probationary license.”
“The program brings together various stakeholders and groups, united around a vision to not only educate young drivers and keep them safe on our roads but also to offer them the social support that may not be present in their lives, in the form of our wonderful volunteer mentors.
“We have had a total of 102 mentors participate in the program over the past 10 years. Together, these amazing volunteers have freely given more than 17,000 driving hours of their time to help young people get their licence, which in turn helps these young people to seize work and study opportunities that they may not otherwise have had access to.”
The Mayor then invited attendees to join her outside the Bunjil Place plaza to unveil two new cars donated to the L2P program by Berwick Motor Group. Berwick Motor Group has supported the program for the past five years and has committed to continue to support the program for the next four years.
The L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program is always looking for more volunteer mentors. Volunteers help young people get their licence while also providing a much-needed role model. If you would like to get involved, you can apply online now. Alternatively, call 9705 5200 or email l2p@casey.vic.gov.au.
The L2P Program is a joint partnership between VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission, supported by the Victorian Government. The program is locally delivered by the City of Casey and is proudly supported by Berwick Motor Group.