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NRMA Assists Anglicare Program For Migrant Drivers


NRMA Assists Anglicare Program For Migrant Drivers

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 21 April 2008

New roads and laws are just some of many challenges migrants face upon arrival to Australia. This is not proving to be such an insurmountable task for Coffs Harbour migrants though thanks to Anglicare North Coast's Driver Mentor Program funded by an NRMA Motoring & Services Community Road Safety Grant.

NRMA local Director Wendy Machin said the Driver Mentor Program is a valuable community initiative to help prevent unlicensed driving by using trained volunteers to help Coffs Harbour migrants complete the supervised driving hours needed to obtain a NSW drivers licence.

"For many migrants it is simply unachievable to become a licensed driver," Ms Machin said.

"Many migrants have no family or friends to help them complete the 120 hours of supervised driving needed to obtain a provisional licence."

This is where Anglicare North Coast steps in with their program partners, TAFE Outreach and Coffs Harbour Council and their army of volunteers.

Recent evidence acquired from the Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command Crime Management Unit concludes that the number of migrants issued with infringement notices has dropped significantly since 2004/5 when compared with 2007/8.

In fact, during the period September 2004 to August 2005, 16 traffic offences involving migrants in the Coffs Harbour area. In the corresponding months during 2006/7, a period that included the establishment of Anglicare North Coast's program, eleven incidents were recorded.

The proof of the Driver Mentor Program in practice lies in the most recent statistics, revealing just three infringements in the period from September 2007 to February 2008, a trend Coffs Harbour City Council Road and Safety Officer, Anne Shearer anticipates will continue.

"We are very grateful for the ongoing assistance provided by the NRMA and the police reports clearly demonstrate the impact the program has had on the safety of our residents." Ms Shearer said.

Currently there are almost 60 migrant learners participating in the program. Of these, 21 have obtained their provisional licence. The program also relies on 13 active volunteers, who have received enormous praise from learner drivers.

Endorsements including, "I am very satisfied to be matched with an extremely patient, informative and understanding volunteer," and "I am now better prepared to begin a new life in a new country," truly testifies the value of the Driver Mentor Program to the Coffs Harbour Community.

The NRMA has allotted $100,000 for road safety grants that can be applied for by community groups and councils throughout NSW from 31 July 2008.

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