New participants are encouraged to apply for the program so the roster can be fully utilised and the car can be busily out and about on the road helping young people obtain their driving hours. To protect both participants and volunteers, a ‘return to operations’ plan has been put in place, which includes hygiene and cleaning protocols as well as contact tracing mechanisms.
Funded and managed by the District Council of Grant, Youth on Wheels started its journey as Geared 2 Drive in 2013. Over the past seven years it has grown to become a standalone youth driver mentor program, tailored specifically for youth living in the District Council of Grant or City of Mount Gambier areas. Councils acknowledges the ongoing support of Barry Maney Ford throughout the life of the program.
In early 2020, the South East Unique and Classic Car Club saw synergies between the club’s values and community spirit and the Youth on Wheels program and subsequently extended an offer of financial sponsorship. Council are therefore very excited to relaunch the program with the additional support of the South East Unique and Classic Car Club. Sponsorship funds will be used to assist with the costs associated with volunteer training in the areas of road safety and cultural awareness to assist volunteer’s better support the growing cohort of migrant and new arrivals needing to access the program.
People interested in finding out more about the Youth on Wheels program can visit https://www.dcgrant.sa.gov.au/YouthonWheels or call the District Council of Grant on 8724 0444.
From left Mr Andrew Aldersey & Mr Frank Mittiga of the South East Classic & Unique Car Club Inc and Mr Jack Peacock - Council Volunteer for Youth on Wheels
