By Deanne Jeffers
LEARNING to drive can be expensive, particularly for young people who may lack the resources or role models to learn the necessary skills to stay safe on the road.
Community stalwart, the late Peter McPhee worked tirelessly to improve safety conditions on country roads, and he was instrumental in establishing the RoadSafe Goulburn Valley program.
“RoadSafe Goulburn Valley really survived because of Peter McPhee. He was really a driving force behind this organisation,” said chair Des Callaghan.
In recognition of Mr McPhee’s dedication, RoadSafe GV presented Berry Street School with a $5,000 sponsorship deal that will be delivered over 10 years and help young people graduate to solo driving.
Berry Street leader of wellbeing, Troy Snelling, said funding will help students afford driving lessons and testing to gain their Learner or Probationary license.
“[The funding] has paid for one of our young students to have his hazards test, book his P’s test, and organise three driving lessons leading up. So, we are very happy and very fortunate for this generous donation,” said Mr Snelling.
The bursary agreement between RoadSafe GV and Berry Street L2P Program has been honoured by a plaque given to Berry Street on Friday, that will be dispatched at the school.
“This is a great way of helping young people who might otherwise not have role modelling and the opportunities to become safe road users,” said Berry Street assistant principal, Dieni Powell.
In Shepparton, the Berry Street L2P Program hit an important milestone this month – over 12,000 hours of unsupervised driving for around 330 local learner drivers since its inception 12 years ago. Statewide, the program has assisted 15,000 young learner drivers.
Investment in driver education is a sensible investment to create safer roads and protect our community. Both Mr Snelling and Ms Powell are L2P mentors, assisting young people to gain hours behind the wheel to prepare them for solo driving.
To become a mentor, please contact L2P program coordinator, Jenni Bowles on 5822 8166 or jbowles@berrystreet.org.au
