STAFF WRITERS

 

A COLLABORATION between Latrobe Community Health Service and Gippsland Trades and Labour Council (GTLC) is giving migrants in Gippsland the skills and road safety knowledge to drive on Victorian roads.

Nine women have completed the inaugural ‘Let’s Get Driving’ program, supported through the state government’s $1.5 million Community Road Safety Grants Program.

It aims to increase the road safety knowledge and driving skills of participants so they can get their Australian licence.

“The course is really about confidence, as much as it is about driving” GLTC Project Officer, Tammy Borg said.

“Many of our participants have come from different circumstances, so it’s about creating a supportive and welcoming environment for them to learn.

“We’re really proud to deliver the first program in Gippsland that supports migrant women to get their licence.”

Latrobe Community Health Services Settlement Engagement and Transition Support Worker, Nikki McNeilage says migrants face all kinds of barriers when it comes to getting their licence.

“Learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, taking the test in their non-preferred language, and even getting to VicRoads to take the test, are all common challenges for migrants,” she said.

Without the independence that driving brings, Nikki says many migrants struggle to find a job, access school or TAFE, or even get groceries from the shop to their home.

“We’re not just talking about a driver’s licence, we’re talking about a person’s independence and ability to live and thrive in the community,” Ms McNeilage said.

Participants received five core education sessions on road rules, driver behaviour, pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as paid professional driving lessons.

The Victoria Police Road Safety Team delivered safety lessons and gave participants the opportunity to familiarise themselves with law enforcement.

“The feedback from participants has been fantastic; their confidence has skyrocketed and most have made plans to go for their license in the coming months,” Ms Borg said.

“Through this program we’re not only helping build up the driving skills and safety knowledge of participants, but we’re also creating safer roads in Gippsland.”

Let’s Get Driving is running again in February 2025 in Sale.

To register your interest, email Tammy Borg at gwtsc@aussiebroadband.com.au