Statewide May 2014

WWW.VICROADS.GOV.AU/L2P

MAKING IT HAPPEN!

by Greg Ryan L2P State Project Manager VicRoads L2P project is an in-novative community based program to help young learners without ready ac-cess to a supervising driver, or a vehicle due to financial or family circumstanc-es. L2P funding assists local communities to develop and implement a program for disadvantaged young people under 21 years so they achieve 120 hours of learner driving experience - as required under Victoria’s Graduated Licensing System. The ability to drive has been noted as a major element providing opportunities for people to escape difficult social and economic circumstances. The L2P Pro-gram recognises social and equity bene-fits as a key objective. There are currently 62 programs running across Victoria benefiting over 2000 learners. Access to a drivers’ licence provides a stone to some employment opportuni-ties. In this sense, L2P helps the mobili-ty, and potential social and economic success of young people. Youth agencies and local governments see the wider potential of the program in connecting and engaging young peo-ple with their community as they spend a significant amount of time with volun-teer adult mentors. Across Victoria L2P programs are operat-ed by either Local Government or a community agency and managed by a local steering committee of stakehold-ers.

Continued Page 5

L2P - MORE THAN JUST A ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM A big thank you to all the L2P coordinators, mentors and program participants who participated in the recent evaluation of L2P. The evaluation, commissioned by the TAC, and conducted by Synergistiq consultants, inves-tigated the broader social benefits of L2P - for partici-pants, mentors and the broad-er community. Nearly 600 people connected to the L2P program responded to the online survey or attended focus groups in Melbourne and regional Victoria. While road safety benefits are an obvious outcome of L2P, a common theme from respondents was that they saw it as more than just a driving program. Significant benefits were identified beyond road safety outcomes. The intergenerational connections and friendship between young people, their im-mediate families and their older mentors was often mentioned. The online survey captured feedback from:

427 Mentors

53 Coordinators

64 Current program participants

46 past program participants Key stakeholders interviewed included VicHealth, the Victorian Youth Mentoring Alliance, Victoria Police and the Department of Justice. Once the evaluation report has been finalised, we look forward to sharing the find-ings with you.

Pic: Hussen from Ethiopia arrived in Australia in 2012. Thanks to the Good Shepherd L2P program in Yarra , he recently got his licence and has now started a job at the Alfred Hospital.

NEWS TIPS - L2P STATEWIDE Published quarterly (February, May, August, November) If you have a great story, news tip, learning or info to share with our L2P mentors and friends across Victoria, send details by 12 August to: L2P Statewide Editor: foxwords@hotmail.com

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“They speak highly of the valuable les-

sons learnt and knowledge shared,”

Michelle said.

Tricia is now helping a number of his other friends with English and the vari-ous challenges as they learn the Aus-tralian way of life and enjoy our free-doms and opportunities.

THE TWO OF US Mehdi and Tricia

Mehdi arrived in Australia by boat,

seeking asylum in 2012 after fleeing Iran

where the minority Kurdish community

faced severe oppression.

He first met Tricia Fitzgerald through

AMES in Springvale, where she tutored

in English and mentored newly arrived

young people.

Tricia encouraged Mehdi to join SEAAC

L2P where Program Coordinator

Michelle Rowland matched them for

supervised driving sessions.

Tricia put in a lot of energy assisting him

with the basics of the English language

including technical driving terms which

proved to be a challenge.

With her Mehdi gained wide driving ex-

perience from country dirt roads to the

city, performing hook turns and driving

on tram tracks.

Before joining the L2P program Mehdi

had already logged close to 100 hours

driving with friends, but he soon discov-

ered how little he actually knew, and the

NEW L SITE A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR LEARNERS AND MENTORS

VicRoads has launched a new website which provides

Pre-learners, Learners and Supervisors access to all the

information they need to know at the click of a mouse.

It includes information on steps along the way, why

learners need to get 120 hours experience, and includes

suggested routes in Melbourne and regional Victoria to

help learners and mentors plan driving sessions for their

level of experience.

So check it out at: www.lsite.vicroads.vic.gov.au

importance of receiving mentoring

from an experienced long-term driver.

Mehdi’s driving experience with Tricia

was very different to that of his Iranian

friends who had only been driving in

Australia for a few years.

Tricia spoke with his other supervisors.

She learnt that they had mainly driven

on straight roads which was why he

was unfamiliar with a number of other

driving situations.

Tricia supported Mehdi to gain confi-

dence and knowledge. In March he got

his Probationary licence.

When Program Coordinator Michelle

Rowland called Mehdi to congratulate

him, he was really thankful for L2P

support and Tricia’s dedication.

He is now a better driver thanks to her

time in explaining the road rules, famil-

iarising him with different signs, and

the countless hours driving in different

traffic conditions.

He has wonderful driving memories of

travelling over the West Gate Bridge

on the way to Melbourne Airport and

down the Peninsula to Arthur’s Seat.

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THREE TO DRIVE Sonia certainly has her hands full, but

at least now she doesn’t have to won-

der how she will get her boys around

when number three comes along.

With the help of the Mt Alexander

Shire L2P Learner Driver Program run

by the Salvation Army she obtained her

probationary licence with 10 weeks to

go before the birth of her third child.

Sonia spent a year in the program and

accumulated 50 hours driving practice

with her mentor Graham Lees.

Graham acknowledges how lucky he

was to have such a great learner with

her cautious, sensible approach to driv-

ing made the drive time together stress

free and enjoyable.

Pic: Hassen below, the latest graduate from Yarra’s Good Shepherd’s Program. Thanks to his mentor Bill Clark.

GEARY-ING UP FOR L2P Victoria’s Principal Commis-sioner for Children and Young People, Bernie Geary visited Junction Support Services in March as part of a campaign to familiarise himself with the challenges faced by young people in our local community, and the services being offered to support young people. The Wodonga L2P program hosted Mr Geary for an afternoon with Program Coordi-nator, Gabrielle Madden discussing the road safety and broad community benefits of L2P. “As an outspoken supporter of volunteerism he was highly impressed with the num-bers of young people being supported across the state, and also the community sup-port with the number of active volunteers involved”, she said. “Given the nature of his role, he was also particularly interested in how the program supports young people living in out of home care”. Mr Geary accompanying an active match Deborah* and Rani* (pictured) on a drive for half an hour. “Upon his return he commented on the nerves of steel and dedication that mentors must possess to participate in the L2P Program,” Gabrielle said. Mr Geary commended mentors across the state and offered ongoing support, in-cluding his willingness to write a letter of support to help secure ongoing funding for the L2P program.

* Names changed for privacy reasons Bernie Geary OAM has worked with vulnerable young people and their families for over 40 years. During this time he has been an advisor and advocate on issues relating to vulnerable children, young people and their families. As Victoria’s first outreach youth worker in West Heidelberg, he managed the Brosnan Centre prior to becoming the CEO of Jesuit Social Services. Since 2005, as Victoria’s inaugural Child Safety Commissioner, Bernie has worked hard to enhance the safety and wellbeing of Victoria’s children.

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National Volunteers Week was celebrat-

ed this month with many L2P mentors

across the state recognised for their

community contributions.

Wodonga mentor Glenn Mackinnon

was named Wodonga's Citizen of the

Year for his wide ranging community

service which includes his work over

many years for the L2P program.

Pictured above: Glenn with his family

- Border Mail

BANYULE

Banyule L2P Program mentors received

the 2014 Highly Commended Commu-

nity Group Award at the Banyule City

Council Volunteer Awards.

STATS THAT MATTER

Congratulations to our new Probationary drivers* and their mentors:

February - May 2014

MANNINGHAM: Beshou - Ayman William, Julia - Roya

GoHarpey, Madhur - John Tudor, Glen - Graham Bishop

CENTRAL GRAMPIANS: LLEL : Mitch - Peter Bowen, BANYULE: Jaydyn - Allan Horsley, Cara - Mel Boak,

Deanne - Mel Boak, Lauren - Mel Boak , Shannon - Rus-

sell Allen, Hannah - Graham Pascoe, Rebecca - Mel

Boak, Tuan - John Greenland, Hassan - Glen Bussey,

Winnette - Helen Bell, BENDIGO/MT ALEXANDER

(Salvos): Sonia - Graham Lees, Phoebe - Sue Holland,

Kristie - John Boldiston, Sher - Pat Belmont , YARRA (Good Shepherd): Malueth - Jim

Callahan, Hussen - Kevin Fox, Hassan - Bill Clark, GEELONG: Therese - Graeme

Saddington & Vanessa Patten, Mu Dah - Jeff Walker, William - Paul Watson, Miko -

Therese Cotter, ECHUCA: Lauren - John Miller, Jean-Pierre - Jeff Ebert, Sarah -Trevor

Goode, Suzette - Robert Smith & Elizabeth Goodwin, CASEY : Zia - Ray Beckham,

James - Shane Stephens, Taylar - Ude Ilayperuma, Serena - Karina Ruiz, Daniel - Wil-

ma McKay, DAREBIN : Kailah - Nicky Leitch, WELLINGTON/EAST GIPPSLAND (Mission

Australia): Bradley - Judy Ransom James & Rob Wyllie, Olivia - Cheryl Siely, Marlee -

Greg Doran, Paige - Jason Lind, Derek - John Ireland, Richard - Julie Hooper, Darcy -

Jeff Fuller, Meg - Peter Schade MONASH/KINGSTON (SEAAC): Demi -Noel Bolde,

Mehdi -Patricia Fitzgerald, Angus - Hue Taing, Mary - Noel Bolden, Candelle - David

Jefferies, Leigh -Harry Stevens, Raza - Alan Broydon FRANKSTON : Louise - Fred

Hamilton, Rebecca - David Phillips BAYSIDE & DHS SOUTHERN (Moira): Mitchell -

Bernie O'Brien, Lillie - Malcolm Baird MILDURA (Sunassist): Michael - Peter Gibbons

& Ian Monteath, Nickera - Marnie Baulch & Vicki Phillips BALLARAT (Uniting Way):

Lachlan - Wayne Scanlon, Pat - Larelle Kuczer, BRIMBANK: David - Peter Kain, Fasil -

Joseph Cassar, Fostin - John Carlisle, Ismail - Darren Hughes, Bigezo - Travis Walton

MOONEE VALLEY : Leo - Kerry Sharpe, Laura - Alicia Keagle GREATER DANDENONG:

Ali - Michael Fraser, Mustafa - Stephen Morris GLENELG: Bianca - David Burke,

Chevy - Les Woolley, Luke - John Hurt, Marcus - Erin Barker, Brandon - Graeme

Coysh, Caleb - Graeme Coysh, Caitlin - Cheryl Ford SWAN HILL: Wajahat - Ian Boys,

Brooke & Prue- Yvonne Henderson, Kobra - Kara Lierich, Skyla - Ashela Box, Brijette

- Trent McFarlane, GANNAWARRA Tahlia - Phil Tennant

(* as advised by Program Coordinators to 28 May 2014)

ONLINE LESSONS FROM THE ROAD

VicRoads has produced a new online resource for Learners and supervising driver

as part of the Keys Please Program. Online video lessons include tips from parents

who've been there.

To access the series CLICK HERE or go to:

www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferDrivers/

YoungAndNewDrivers/Lessons+from+the+Road.htm

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GOOD NEWS WEEK FOR GEELONG

While recent headlines screamed bad news for Geelong with the closure of Ford and Alcoa, and Stevie J getting a week for a minor head bump against the Dockers, its Good News Week for Geelong’s L2P Program with some great lo-cal support just confirmed. At the recent opening of Winter and Taylor’s new Isuzu dealership at Corio, Managing Director James Morphy donated two new vehi-cles for the Geelong Program. L2P staff, volunteers, and others were on hand for the announce-ment of their two years commit-ment. According to Program Coordinator April Livesley, at any one time they have a long waiting list. “These vehicles will enable us to provide a service for many more young people within the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions and to better support our volun-teers, through more recognition, networking and development activities.” There was more good news with an anonymous Geelong philanthropist also do-nating nearly $18,000 to support a new partnership between the Geelong L2P pro-gram and local youth organisation Time for Youth. Time for Youth make up a large proportion of referrals made to the L2P program but long waiting lists, has seen a number of their clients miss out on support when they need it. This partnership will ensure priority access for Time for Youth clients, with up to 15 spaces made available and three mentors trained to support the group. Some funds will help purchase a new vehicle which will be available not just to Time for Youth referrals but to other L2P participants including being placed the Surf Coast Shire one day a week. Since Geelong’s L2P program commenced in 2009 five mentors have completed five years of volunteering contributing over 800 hours of driving time. Congratulations to the ‘Class of 2009’: Jude Adams, Mary Voss, Ted Thirlwell, Paul Washington and Mark Tonzing. Another Geelong mentor Jeff Walker has racked up 303 hours with Ian Board (292 hours) hot on his tail.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

from page 1 A comprehensive L2P Resource Kit as-sists agencies in developing and imple-menting their program. Ten hours of training is provided for volunteer drivers so they have the necessary skills and knowledge to supervise driving practice. L2P funding allows for an average of seven professional lessons per learner so that driving instructors can verify that learner are safe to drive with their men-tors. Detailed criteria and eligibility is deter-mined by each local L2P program, utilis-ing the expertise of youth support agen-cies. Current Transport Accident Commission (TAC) funding of L2P programs is com-mitted to June 2015 with the evaluation now underway to be provided to the Victorian Government when considering the program’s future. In addition to professional driving les-sons, funding helps cover major ex-penditure items including program ad-ministration (usually by a part-time pro-ject officer), and vehicle running costs. Most budgets are augmented by local resources including ‘in kind’ access to existing organisational services and sys-tems, and the time commitment from each program’s steering committee members and volunteers. Many programs actively supplement their funding through local sponsorships e.g. car dealers and service clubs, by direct grants from Councils, and assis-tance from private benefactors.

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MENTOR TIPS

Before driving anywhere, I always start my sessions with a couple of minutes in

the car just asking my learner about his week, how he was going with his studies

etc.

Just a couple of minutes of connection before getting down to work. I found this

was really valuable.

Also, I'd always ask him "Are you rested and ready to drive?"

Particularly pertinent for early weekend bookings!

- Jim Callahan, Yarra/Good Shepherd

NIGHT MOVES

While some mentors have restricted daytime driving availability, the NESAY pro-

gram at Benalla puts this to good use.

Two of their mentors are unavailable for daytime driving.

Rather than quit the program, they help out other mentors by doing night time

driving sessions for them to help get learners night driving hours up.

WWW.VICROADS.GOV.AU/L2P

MAIL BOX

To Glenelg L2P:

My daughter

Caitlin has been

lucky enough to

be a part of the

L2P program

since the end of

2012.

In that time her mentor Cheryl Ford

has been an inspiration to Caitlin.

Cheryl has not only taught her how to

drive but they have developed a lasting

friendship.

They had opportunities to chat and

Cheryl has helped Caitlin through a few

hiccups in her life.

Peter Moody gave Caitlin a few pro-

fessional driving lessons as part of the

program. When Cheryl was away for a

month, Ern Harrison covered the men-

toring and was also very kind to Caitlin.

L2P is a fantastic program for young

adults, helping achieve the hours they

need to obtain their licence.

As a mother, I have been encouraged

to be involved the whole way through.

I cannot thank everyone enough for

teaching my daughter to drive. She

has become more confident and quite

a good driver.

Volunteers in this town should be

praised and acknowledged more for

giving up their own time to help young

people achieve their goals.

Thank you to Cheryl, Ern, Peter and the

Council for another success story.

From a very appreciative mother,

Joanne Readett

ODD SPOT

While some programs are

struggling to get or keep cars

on the road, for others it’s

not a problem.

On a recent drive with a

learner down Punt Road one

of our keen eyed mentors

spied this Porsche Boxster

fully equipped - with double

overhead L Plates!

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WHITEHORSE ON BOARD

The L2P program is now more widely availa-

ble in the Melbourne’s east with White-

horse Council partnering with VicRoads and

the City of Manningham to extend Learner

Driver Mentor Program.

Forest Hill MP Neil Angus and Whitehorse

Mayor Cr Sharon Ellis recently launched the

program in April to help young learner driv-

ers from a disadvantaged background to gain

their probationary licence.

In the five years from 2008 to 2012, 42 driv-

ers aged 18 to 21 years were seriously in-

jured, one was killed and 109 more sustained

other injuries on our roads in the City of

Whitehorse.

The Manningham L2P Program has been in operation since October 2010 and has

now broadened its reach by partnering with Whitehorse Council.

Ten additional places for young people from within the Whitehorse municipality are

now be available.

L2P Project Officer Melanie Burgess invited young people and potential mentors

who wish to participate in the program to contact her on 9846 0537.

Email: melanie.burgess@manningham.vic.gov.au

Pics: (Above) Learner Bishoy and his mentor Ayman William with the new car provided by

Manningham and Whitehorse Councils.

(Below) Neil Argus MP, Cr Ellis, Program Coordinator Melanie Burgess, and learner, Jordan

NOEL’S DOUBLE

Noel Bolden scored double Ps in March

successfully guiding two new drivers as

part of the Monash and Kingston Program

run by the Southern Ethnic Advisory and

Advocacy Council (SEEAC)

Noel worked

with Mary for

the past sev-

en months

and according

to her VicRo-

ads Tester,

she is a very

good driver

with great car

control.

It doesn’t stop there though. Demi also

got her P plates in March with Noel.

She did a great job in her test. Without

Noel as her mentor, she wouldn't be

where she is now.

Michelle Rowland from SEEAC thanked

Noel for persevering through some of the

challenging peri-

ods when Demi

temporarily

moved home.

Noel’s latest dou-

ble comes on top

of last year’s suc-

cess when one of

his other learners,

Leh Leh successfully got her licence in

November!

Michelle acknowledged the support they

receive from, Garry & Warren Smith who

equip their program with two fabulous

cars.

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SPONSORS SPOTLIGHT

The Bendigo and Central Goldfields programs run by the Salvation Army have been the grateful recipients of two grants which will provide much needed funds to support their pro-grams The Salvos extend a big THANK YOU to the City of Greater Bendigo Community Grants program for $5000 and CVGT Community Grants for $1000. Funds will go towards the purchase of a new vehicle in Bendigo and fuel in Cen-tral Goldfields.

CVGT Australia is a not-for-profit com-

pany providing a full suite of employ-

ment and training options for employ-

ers and job seekers.

They provide employers with work-

ready people and deliver positive eco-

nomic and social benefits to the com-

munity.

EASTERN ACTION

Mission Australia’s L2P program for Wellington & East Gippsland Shires has

kicked some goals recently according to Program Coordinator, Cheryl Siely

Darcy recently got his P Plates thanks to support from volunteer mentor Jeff

Fuller.

He came to the program because his dad is very sick and his mum who is a mid-

wife and on call, looks after him. As a result Darcy found it hard to get any driving

hours with the family.

Darcy was male dux at his Secondary School in 2013 winning a $5000 scholarship

through Bendigo Bank and now attends university in Melbourne

He found his mentor Jeff to be fantastic, very welcoming, and at no stage

throughout his driving did he ever feel stressed in the vehicle. From the first day

they formed a great relationship. Jeff is very proud and they catch up when Darcy

is back home from uni.

Meg from Gippsland Grammar is a Year 12 student residing in the boarding

house in Sale.

Her only way to gain driving hours was through the L2P program which she joined

12 months ago.

She has now gained her P

Plates thanks to help from

mentor Peter Schade.

Peter has been with the

program since 2011 and

mentors four other stu-

dents at the Grammar

School on the L2P pro-

gram.

He works as the weekend

supervisor at the boarding

house taking his learners out each weekend to gain their hours.

THE LAST WORD Terry Rosewarne, pictured with L2P project officer Kim Leech hon-oured at a National Volunteers morning tea. Terry has completed over 500 mentor hours for the Moorabool Program managed by Djerriwarrh

Community & Education Services.