The recently approved agreement will see Transurban contribute $100,000 for the coming two years. Transurban DriveLink is a programme that teaches mentors, who are all volunteers, to supervise country new-comers as they build driving skills and prepare for the all-important driving test to secure a licence.
Mayor Samantha Byrne said the mentoring programme was extremely important for newly-arrived migrants and refugees who had to face several barriers when seeking social connection or employment, adding:
"Having a licence gives people independence, a better chance at finding a job and more opportunities to participate in community life."
Council-run programmes such as this have often been widely advertised via flyer printing throughout the local area.
The help of volunteer mentors has kept the cost of the programme for participants very low and the Mayor said more volunteers were always needed to help out. Without them, she added, the service could not be provided.
All volunteers require is a few spare hours and a full driver’s licence as they receive training as driving supervisors from VicRoads.
Further information on volunteering as a driver mentor or about the popular initiative can be found on the Volunteers page of Moonee Valley Council’s website.