Francis Asamoah is being mentor by Dennis O’Bryan to help get his licence through the Transport Accident Commission's L2P Program through the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Dennis O'Bryan has found purpose in retirement by volunteering as a mentor in the Transport Accident Commission's L2P Program, helping young people who face significant barriers to obtaining their driver’s licence, through the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
“I have been retired for quite a few years, and was looking for something else to do and thought that it was a good opportunity to help young people get a licence, especially those who may come from disadvantaged families,” Mr O’Bryan said.
“It has been pretty worthwhile for me and the people I have mentored so far.”
Drawing on his 27 years of policing experience, followed by 18 years running his own businesses, Mr O'Bryan recognised the importance of helping young people access essential services.
“It is important to help people, because some of them wouldn't get a licence and wouldn't for many years because they don't have access to a vehicle or haven't got an appropriate person in the home to help them, willing to help them or could afford to help them,” he said.
“The program is aimed at young people who don’t have access to a suitable vehicle or supervising driver and the opportunity to get their licence in the circumstances that they are in.”
Mr O'Bryan became involved after reading about volunteer opportunities in a local publication.
“I got involved after seeing an article in the Riv, a couple of years ago, that the CCLLEN was looking for volunteers,” he said.
“I think at the time, it generated more volunteers.”
Currently, the program supports about 38 young participants and requires a substantial volunteer base; more volunteers equals more room for more participants.
The personal satisfaction derived from volunteering drives Mr O'Bryan's continued involvement.
“I take a lot of satisfaction from volunteering,” he said.
“You know, kids who can't drive and would not have had the opportunity without the program give me a great deal of satisfaction to see them go through and get their licence at the end of it.”
Dennis O'Bryan’s involvement brings personal satisfaction as he witnesses young learners achieve their goal of obtaining a driver’s licence, impacting not only the individual but their entire family.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
To become a volunteer mentor, Mr O'Bryan completed specific requirements, including being over 21 years of age, holding a current full Australian driver’s licence, having a satisfactory driver’s licence history, being medically fit to drive, not working as a professional driving instructor, hold a valid working with children’s check and passing a national police check.
His current mentee exemplifies the program's target demographic, with impacts extending beyond the individual learner to their entire family.
“My current learner is an 18-year-old young person who has been in the country for less than 12 months,” Mr O'Bryan said.
“They are here with their father and none of the family has a licence.
“They rely on other people to get to work, and catch taxis when there are no people to assist.
“Someone in the household needs a licence.
“It is very important for this young person to get their licence, so they can run their dad and their two younger siblings around town.”
The TAC L2P Program operates as a community-based initiative supporting eligible Victorian learner drivers aged 16 to 21 years, and in some circumstances up to 23 years, who lack access to supervising drivers or appropriate vehicles.
The program represents a partnership between local councils, community organisations, the Department of Transport and the Transport Accident Commission.
Those interested in becoming volunteer mentors can contact the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network L2P co-ordinator on 5482 6055 or email L2P@CCLLEN.com.au.
The TAC L2P Program supports eligible Victorian learner drivers aged 16 to 21 years, with the aim of providing access to driving opportunities for those facing barriers. Interested volunteers can contact CCLLEN for more information. Pictured are Francis Asamoah and Dennis O'Bryan.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
