By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Noble Park volunteers are a “driving force” for good, helping new-arrival drivers get their license.
They are mentoring South Sudanese Australian learners from as far away as Epping, Cranbourne and Frankston for practice time behind the wheel.
For most of the student drivers, it is about overcoming personal isolation, says organiser Ray Kirkwood.
About 80-90 per cent of the students are women.
“They’re so appreciative of the efforts that the volunteers have made.
“We think by intervening at this level, it shows this community that we care. And we’re willing to assist whenever things are difficult.
“That’s what makes the Australian assimilation model work, as we are really stepping out and making them feel welcome in the community.”
The idea grew while helping job-seekers with resumes as part of a program by the Rotary Club of Frankston-Peninsula.
Being unlicensed was a major hurdle for employment, such as cleaning or couriering.
“We realised a lot of these people were mainly women who were very isolated,” Mr Kirkwood said.
“Usually they’re with between three to eight children and so they’re finding it difficult to get their drivers license.
“A lot of them are single and there’s not the support there for them to practice.”
Mr Kirkwood said more volunteer mentors, with their cars, are required to keep up with demand.
“They just need somebody to take an interest, to give them that support to take that next step.
The program, co-funded by VicRoads, is run from Noble Park Community Centre.
