HELPING migrants integrate into the Limestone Coast community is the driving force behind the donation of a vehicle to allow the region’s new arrivals to spend time behind the wheel.
Launched this week, bookings have flooded in for the Red Cross Limestone Coast driver mentoring program, which helps residents clock valuable kilometres on the road under the supervision of a qualified driver.
A partnership with Lakes Rotary Club of Mount Gambier and OG Roberts & Co, Red Cross Limestone Coast regional manager David Walshaw said the initiative provided an opportunity to reach the provisional hours needed for a driver’s licence, which was not always possible for family households.
“Given we already have hundreds of new arrivals relocated in the South East we know this program will be beneficial,” Mr Walshaw said.
“Although a learner’s licence could be obtained, it can be hard for people to reach the required 75 provisional hours if a car is not readily available.
“It was a no-brainer really, once we saw we could provide support we worked out how to make it happen.”
OG Roberts & Co dealer principal Bryce Roberts said the organisation was always looking at more ways it could help benefit the community.
“By providing a vehicle for this initiative we have helped give back through an automotive perspective and have created safer road conditions,” Mr Roberts said.
“I think it is great these families are moving to our region as we need population growth to boost sustainability.
“Learning to drive improves their probability of employment which then leads to more infrastructure, jobs and benefits to the economy.”
Mr Walshaw said when communicating with the Pangula Mannamurna and Congolese community, the biggest complication found when seeking employment was the lack of independent transport.
“The people who use our vehicles will be the ones who have had experience in a dual-control vehicle,” he said.
“It will generally encompass the heart-stopping moment which are usually experienced with a parent or guardian.
“Red Cross volunteers will be conducting the mentoring program, which have all been approved by by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.”
Born in the Congo and fleeing at the age of two to Rwanda, Vincent Uwimana moved to Mount Gambier in February.
As a Limestone Coast Red Cross volunteer, Mr Uwimana will be the first person to clock up his hours through the initiative.
“Learning how to drive through the Red Cross has minimised the significant costs which are required when obtaining a licence,” Mr Uwimana said.
“Obtaining my provisional licence will have impact on my life as I will be able to get a job and will be able to become more independent.
“It will also make me an equal competitor for job positions.”
With the Lakes Rotary Club providing funding for registration costs, president Bernie Douglas said the initiative was a worthwhile cause.
“I do not think people realise how much Rotary clubs contribute to the community,” Ms Douglas said.
“There seems to be stigma surrounding Rotary clubs which involve old men sitting around but it is not that at all.
“This is just one example of us giving back and it is great to see the partnership between businesses and organisations, which I think we will see it happen more and more.”
The car has been donated to the program for a 12-month period and if deemed successful, may continue beyond that time.
