Mentors are Ydrive’s driving force

Eurobodalla Council’s Ydrive program is changing lives but more mentors are needed to help some of the shire’s disadvantage youth get mobile.

The results of the learn-to-drive program speak for themselves. Council’s Ydrive coordinator Angie McMillan said all eight graduates who had gained their licence now had a job.

“We’ve got spots to help seven more learner drivers, but we’re short of volunteers to meet demand,” she said.

Mentors need to be able to commit to at least two hours each week over the 12-month program. Ms McMillan said volunteers had found the experience rewarding.

“It’s not surprising our mentors develop such a positive relationship with their learners, they’re assisting young people who would not otherwise have access to a car or supervising driver gain the required 120 hours needed to qualify for their Ps,” she said.

“We supply the car and the training for mentors. We make sure our learners receive professional driving lessons and attend a safety driving course.

“It’s such a practical, results-driven program, and it’s attracted attention for other councils and praise from the Roads and Maritime Services staff.”

Ms McMilllan said a recent grant from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had enabled the program to provide Ydrive participants with safety kits.

“As each learner completes the Ycheck safety module, they receive a kit with reflective breakdown triangles, a torch and first aid kit,” she said.

For more information or to sign up visit our Y Drive page or contact Ydrive coordinator Angie McMillan on 0417 359 705, 4474 7456 or email [email protected]