L2P Program celebrates 15th birthday

RECENTLY, I had the privilege of attending the 15th anniversary celebration of the TAC L2P Program. This milestone highlights this initiative’s impact on young drivers across Greater Geelong.

For those unfamiliar, the L2P Program helps learner drivers aged 16 to 21 (and in some cases, up to 23) who don’t have access to a suitable car or a supervising driver to reach the required 120 hours of supervised driving.

As I listened to the inspiring stories from graduates and their mentors, I was reminded of how seemingly small acts of community support can have profound and lasting effects.

The L2P Program isn’t just about helping young people get their driver’s licences it’s about giving them independence, opportunities and the ability to safely navigate their future.

During my career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I treated countless victims of road accidents.

Now I am retired, I serve as an operational member of the Bellarine SES Unit, so I understand firsthand the importance of programs like L2P – any program leading to young people driving more safely deserves our support.

Fittingly, on the very morning of the celebration, our SES unit responded to a crash in the region. We were able to work with other agencies to safely extract the driver who was trapped in the car.

Later that day, I was struck by a moment of connection when I arrived at the L2P event and saw my SES colleague, who had led the response that morning, standing there as an L2P mentor.

It was a reminder of how volunteers contribute in so many ways to building a strong, resilient community.

The L2P Program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission, administered by the Department of Transport and Planning and coordinated by the City of Greater Geelong.

Since L2P started in Geelong in 2009, 571 drivers have gained their licenses through the program, with our mentors providing almost 55,000 hours of supervised driving for our learners.

On the Bellarine, there are two L2P cars. The first is based in Portarlington – in the Murradoc ward that I represent – and has been sponsored for the last 10 years by the Bellarine Community Bank.

The second, a brand-new Kia Rio, has arrived in Ocean Grove thanks to a collaboration between the Lions Clubs of Leopold, Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads, Portarlington/Drysdale, Queenscliff/Pt Lonsdale and the Leopold Community Bank.

A second L2P car on the Bellarine will further enhance participation, giving more young people the chance to gain experience and confidence behind the wheel.

None of these successes would be possible without the dedicated volunteers who serve as mentors.

Learning to drive is a significant milestone, but it’s not an easy path for many young people.

If you’ve ever thought about giving back to the community, becoming an L2P mentor is a fantastic way to make a tangible impact.

A few hours of your time each week could help a young person secure their licence, access new opportunities, and confidently build their future.

For more information, or to get involved, head to geelongaustralia.com.au and search for ‘L2P’.

Cr Rowan Story

Murradoc Ward,

City of Greater Geelong