Yesterday, Central Grampians LLEN hosted a community celebration to mark 10 years since the inception of the TAC L2P Program in Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire.

Past and present mentors, learners and staff were in attendance at the event, which was held at the Central Grampians LLEN office in Ararat.

Central Grampians LLEN Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty said the L2P program had helped 137 local young people gain their probationary licence over the past decade.

“This was a really important milestone for us as it allowed us to recognise the many people who have been involved in this fantastic program since CGLLEN first started coordinating it in 2013,” Ms Moriarty said.

“It was fabulous to see so many past and current learner drivers, mentors, staff and supporters come together to celebrate the growth and achievements of L2P over the years. 

The Central Grampians TAC L2P Program assists learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who have limited access to a supervising driver or vehicle. The learners are matched with a trained volunteer mentor and practice vehicle to help them gain the 120 hours of supervised driving experience needed to get their probationary licence.

In the past 10 years, more than 70 volunteer mentors from the local community have been involved in the TAC L2P Program. Together these mentors have supervised 13303 hours of driving.

“The program relies on the support of volunteers, and we have been lucky enough to have some amazing mentors over the years. Their dedication to supporting young people to gain their licence, and more importantly their independence, is admirable,” Ms Moriarty said.

“With demand for L2P currently at an all-time high, we are also hoping our 10-year celebration will encourage more community members to consider signing up as mentors for this valuable program.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about becoming an L2P driver mentor should contact Central Grampians LLEN Youth Project Officer, Penny Walton-Bourke on 0418 535 478 or penny@cgllen.org.au,

For further information please contact:
Jessie Newton on 03 5352 3266 or email media@cgllen.org.au.

PHOTO: L2P Coordinator Penny Walton-Bourke cuts the cake at the 10-year anniversary celebration.