The ‘License for Change’ initiative helps students access the resources and education they need to receive their provisional licence. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) has been granted $50,000 by the NSW Department of Communities and Justices to provide Wagga students the opportunity to attend an NRMA Safer Drivers Course.
The License for Change youth project is a joint initiative with WWCC, Mount Austin High School and Driver Training – Wagga and Regions and seeks to give the students a chance to learn how to drive safely in a controlled environment.
The grant funds are being used to purchase driver vouchers to access the Safer Drivers Course directly from NRMA, along with other resources to support the student learners.
Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood said the Mount Austin High School community had identified some of the barriers for students to participate in volunteering, employment and other opportunities after leaving school.
“Getting a licence is such a key turning point in many young people’s lives on their journey to independence, but access and affordability and cost-of-living pressures put this out of reach for many,” Alex Osgood said.
“License for Change is designed to support 35 local young people from Mount Austin High School to gain their learner licence, through to obtaining their provisional licence.
“It improves young people’s access and ability to participate by bringing the program directly to the students, using identified support networks that they trust, and minimising as many barriers as possible to being able to participate in a program like this.”
Mount Austin High School Principal Michelle Waugh said the ability to drive was a critical skill for students transitioning to the workplace or higher education.
“The cost of driving lessons is prohibitive and sometimes there are other factors that might mean that students are unable to access all the hours they need to do while on their L-plates,” Ms Waugh said.
“It’s about engaging young people in learning and supporting their education and employment pathways for the future, so they are well prepared for when they leave high school.”
Christine Hillis from Driver Training – Wagga and Regions is pleased to be working with the students, building their confidence behind the wheel, and preparing them for the test.
“We think it’s a really important program for the Mount Austin High School community and particularly for the students as it’s about more than just the skill of driving,” Ms Hillis said.
“When you see young people at this age and they’re struggling to get their licence, this program can be that sliding door moment when you know it’s going to make a difference, they’re going to get their licence and it will change their lives.”
