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Statewide August 2016
It's been a busy
period with the
annual L2P
Statewide Forum
in May and the
launch of addi-
tional programs.
Our Statewide
Forum was a great
event. It was highly enjoyable to catch up
with so many L2P coordinators and their
guests from across Victoria. I'm glad we
were among some of the first people to
get an insight into the Towards Zero Road
Safety Strategy from TAC and VicRoads
road safety experts.
A huge thanks to Toyota for letting us use
their incredible venue. The roundtable
topics provided great insight into how we
can keep learning from each other and
improving the program for disadvantaged
young people
It was great to see another two program
launches in May. One was the extension
of the Glenelg program to Casterton and
the other was the Southern Grampians
program.
Casterton L2P will provide up to five plac-
es for disadvantaged young people to get
their licence and already have four men-
tors on board.
The Southern Grampians program will
provide up to 30 places and already have
five mentors on board.
Lastly, we are still working on the new E-
learning module of session one and hope
to trial it very soon.
Ron Hinkley
Acting Statewide Projects Manager,
VicRoads
VICTORIA’S NEW ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY
The Towards Zero 2016-2020 Road Safety
Strategy is the most ambitious action plan
in Victoria’s road safety history. It maps
out how Victorian road safety partners
will work towards a 20% reduction in
deaths and 15% reduction in serious inju-
ries in five years.
Towards Zero is about creating a safe system for all Victorians - this means safe
roads and roadsides, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe road use by all people
using the road.
The greatest investment in making our roads safer through infrastructure with a
particular focus on rural roads – more than $1 billion over five years:
A major effort to engage with the Victorian community on road safety;
Further investment in police resources to combat high-risk behaviours; and
New measures to ensure the vehicles Victorians travel in are as safe as they
can be.
The Towards Zero Action Plan is about saving as many lives and reducing as many
serious injuries as possible. The Victorian Government has set an ambitious target
to reduce lives lost on our road by 200 people over the next five years - this is
equivalent to a 20% reduction in deaths.
This road safety plan is about creating a safe system for all Victorian and is focus-
sing on the following key areas :
On country roads - where most fatalities happen;
People most likely to become road casualties – younger and older Victori-
ans, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians; and
New technology to make our cars, roads and our own driving safer
For full details download the Towards Zero 2016-2020 Strategy and Action Plan at:
www.towardszero.vic.gov.au
NEWS TIPS - Next issue: December 2016
If you have a great story, news tip or learning to share with our L2P mentors and friends across Victoria, send details by 15 November 2016 to:
L2P Statewide Editor - Kevin Fox: [email protected]
2
2
DRIVEN TO LEARN
Volunteer Jacki Willox helps Lizzy gain driving experience
About four years ago, I saw a local news story asking for volunteers at the L2P pro-
gram in the City of Yarra. I responded, was accepted and I have never regretted the
decision.
Volunteer mentors play a key role by helping disadvantaged learners aged under 21
to build up driving experience and the required 120 hours in all conditions, with ses-
sions undertaken at mutually convenient times.
Volunteering has benefits
The experience has added a new dimension to my life: it keeps me in touch with the
thoughts, ideas, problems and ambitions of a younger generation and leads to some
very interesting conversations.
For most of us, driving is a natural extension of our lifestyle. We and our children
have grown up with our parents driving, with at least one car in the household and
we take for granted all that this convenience entails. Getting in a car for the first driv-
ing lesson usually holds no fears for those who are used to being passengers. But for
many in our community getting their L-plates is a major shift. Having helped my chil-
dren get through their driver training I thought this gave me an idea of what to ex-
pect. However, it has been quite a different experience.
Extensive training
After I enrolled in the program, I went through extensive training, then was matched
with a young woman from Sudan who had little children. An RACV driving instructor
provided initial lessons and checked her progress during the program. She was deter-
mined and got her licence at the second try.
I then went to live overseas for two years. When on holiday in Melbourne I did relief
mentoring for two young men in the City of Yarra L2P program.
On returning to live in Melbourne in 2014, I was matched with a young woman from
Somalia who, after more than 140 hours of learner driving, now
has her probationary driver licence. I was then matched with Lizzy
(Pic: top right).
Flexibility is great
Volunteering as an L2P mentor means I can schedule as many
hours as the car, the learner and I am available during the week.
As a volunteer this flexibility is great. The young people appreciate
the program. Most of them would have no chance to learn to
drive or even to have access to a car or a mentor without it.
by Yarra Mentor Jacki Willox
NEW CARS FOR SWAN HILL
Great news for northern Victorian
L2P Programs with Swan Hill contin-
uing to be sponsored by the Swan
Hill Automotive Group
New principal owner Paul Nobes was
pleased to continue the relationship
forged over the past seven years and
place a Nissan Pulsar into the pro-
gram for the next 12 months.
Pic: Learner driv-
er Rhiannon with
Swan Hill Auto-
motive Group
Principal Dealer
Paul Nobes.
3
3
STATEWIDE L2P FORUM WRAP-UP
VicRoads’ annual Statewide L2P forum was held in May at Toyota’s head office in Port Melbourne. The day was well attended with more than 120 people present, including program coordina-tors, managers, trainers and representatives from TAC, Vi-cRoads and RACV. The day couldn’t have been timed better with the announcement of the Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy occurring the day before, so all guests were treated to an early overview of what Victoria’s most ambi-tious plan to reduce road deaths and trauma was all about. Mark Russell, VicRoads Manager Road Safety Strategy & Partnerships led the way on the strategy that was backed up by a presentation on Towards Zero by Samantha Buckis, Acting Manager Technical & Policy, Road Safety Community Relations at the TAC. Hamid Hussein provided an overview of the future of car safety for Toyota. The real highlight of the day was the roundtable topics on a range of issues for the L2P program including:
Recruitment & retention of mentors Managing risks The role of a mentor Disability Identification & management of participants Digital learner kit Sponsorship DHHS new child safe standards Functional steering committees
Each attendee participated in five topics with key issues and ideas not-ed. Papers now are now available to Program Coordinators on the L2P Net website. Mentors can get copies of the L2P Forum Topic Papers from their local L2P Program Coordinator.
TIP OF THE DAY
Which side is the petrol
cap on?
Thanks to Liz Smith at Campaspe
L2P or her tip of the day for
Learner drivers:
“When filling the car especially in
an unfamiliar vehicle, take note
of the little arrow next to the
pump symbol on the dashboard.
“This handy little arrow tells you
which side of the car the fuel cap
is on.”
This could be a great tip for our
experienced drivers too!
4
4
PRE-DRIVE VEHICLE
CHECK
Before beginning a driving session,
Learners and Mentor should perform a
pre-drive safety check of the vehicle.
On the day of their drive test your
Learner is required to identify and oper-
ate the following vehicle controls:
• Turn indicators
• Brake lights
• Horn
• Headlights (high and low beam)
• Hazard lights
• Windscreen washer and wipers.
The Learner is required to identify, but
not operate, the following controls:
• Handbrake
• Front and rear demister
When your Learner is putting on their L
plates get them to look around the car
for any damage and check the tyres. If
the tyres feel or look low go to a service
station and check the tyre pressure
together.
Also show them under the bonnet and
point out things like the oil dipstick,
windscreen washer bottle, filler cap and
battery.
HARLEY DRIVES HIS NEW CAREER
Bairnsdale’s Harley Kenner landed a job that he hoped would set him up for the
future. A career as a cabinetmaker was ahead of him and he was keen to learn.
But without a driver’s licence or access to a car, maintaining the job was going to
be difficult. All of a sudden the 19-year old’s future was cloudy.
For Harley, East Gippsland L2P volunteer mentors, John Fallon and Wayne Stagg,
proved to be invaluable sources of knowledge, offering their years of experience
and coaching.
“I was pretty nervous when I first started because I only had half a dozen or so
driving hours logged,” Harley said.
“I was struggling to get my hours up because my only option was to go driving with
my friend’s mum. That
really didn’t give me
enough time and I knew
my job would be in jeop-
ardy if I couldn’t get to the
job sites. “
“I told John and Wayne
that I’d been riding my
bike everywhere and real-
ly needed my licence for
work. They were really
helpful and knowledgea-
ble and I loved every mi-
nute of it.”
Driving instructor John Fallon said he found the L2P program to be hugely reward-
ing - for himself, as well as young people like Harley.
“I think the best part of the L2P program is watching how these kids develop on a
personal level, not just as drivers,” John said. “It gives young people who may not
be as fortunate as others a chance. That’s why it’s successful on a whole range of
fronts.”
Thanks to his L2P mentors, Harley successfully completed his driving test, and has
held his licence for about a month.
“Now I don’t have to rely on other people to drive me around like I used to. I can
just drive to work, or go see my friends by myself, which is great,” Harley said.
“Getting my licence has given me so much independence, and a new found confi-
dence. “
“I don’t know where I’d be without John, Wayne and Mission Australia. I felt my
career was in serious doubt before I discovered the L2P program,” he said.
Pic: Wayne Stagg, Harley and John Fallon on the road together.
5
5
DRIVE OF THE MONTH - St Kilda to Mordialloc
Beach Road and Nepean Highway loop
For Learners in Stages 3 and 4, a great drive providing a variety of
road conditions is the bayside loop from St Kilda to Mordialloc.
The drive is approximately 45 kilometres. A round trip without stops
takes approximately 70, minutes subject traffic conditions, but take a
break, stop, and enjoy the scenery. Practice your parking at one of
the many beachside carparks with their scenic outlook to Port Phillip
Bay.
Travelling southbound start near Luna Park and follow the blue Route
33 markers taking you beachside.
The road name changes from Marine Parade, Ormond Esplanade, St
Kilda Street, the Esplanade and Beach Road - a good learning for new
drivers about Melbourne’s arterial roads and their naming quirks.
Through Elwood the four-lane divided road has many things to watch
for with parked cars, cyclists and beachgoers running to cross this
busy thoroughfare.
Closer to Brighton, the road narrows as an undivided four lane road
for a distance - generally with parked cars occupying the left hand lane. It’s a good opportunity for your Learner to
look ahead, read the traffic and prepare for lane changes and traffic lights on approachto intersections.
Beyond Brighton to Sandringham, bayside views open up on the right hand side. The challenge for your learner is to
keep their eyes on the road. Practice keeping on or just under the speed limit and concentrating on the road, given
the temptation to drift away and enjoy the scenery.
It’s important also to choose the correct lane,
moving left where practical and safe, keeping
the centre lane clear for passing drivers.
As the road curves around the cliffsides be-
yond Sandringham, learners need to concen-
trate on staying in their lane and watching for
unsighted hazards such as parked card or cy-
clists just around the bend.
The speed limit generally remains 60km/h,
but roadworks speed limit changes due to
maintenance, or building works for new bay-
side mansions are ever present.
Continued Page 8...
6
6
DID YOU KNOW?
Changing over to a Manual Licence
Learners who pass their Probationary drive test in an automatic car,
can only drive vehicles with an automatic transmission during their
probationary period.
This condition is shown as an ‘A’ on their licence.
At the end of the P2 period when transferring to a full licence the ‘A’
condition no longer applies. They can then drive a manual car.
Removing the Automatic condition while on P Plates
Probationary drivers can convert to a Manual Licence if they pass a new drive test in a vehicle with a manual trans-
mission. After passing their new test and paying a licence variation a replacement driver licence card will be issued
by VicRoads - with the automatic condition removed.
If learning to drive in a manual vehicle while on Ps, someone with a full manual licence must sit beside them.
They must also display 'Driver under instruction' plates in addition to their 'P' plates on the front and back of the
vehicle
CAMPASPE FACEBOOK
Liz Smith at the Campaspe L2P Program has set up a Facebook Page to share local program news, tips and infor-
mation with Mentors, learners and friends.
Check it out at www.facebook.com/CampaspeL2P.
7
7
L2P LAUNCHES IN CASTERTON AND SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS
Up to 35 disadvantaged learner drivers in Casterton and the Southern Grampians Shires now have access to the L2P program.
The Casterton program caters for five young people, while the Southern Grampians program will assist up to 30 young drivers. It has been a true community effort to get the programs off the ground with the local Coun-cils, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and schools involved.
The Casterton program complements existing Portland and Heywood L2P programs run by the Glenelg Shire Council.
In the five years to 2015, three young drivers aged 18-25 were killed in Glenelg, with 41 seriously injured.
In the same period, nine young drivers in Southern Grampians were killed, with 45 were seriously injured.
Pic top right: VicRoads Sam Pirrotta, Leanne Groves and Jeff Gor-man at the launch of the Hamilton (Southern Grampians) L2P pro-gram
Left: Barry and Kate head out for Southern Grampians first men-tor session in June
BAW BAW SPECIAL EFFORT
Baw Baw L2P is holding a TOWARDS ZERO L2P Gala Fundraising Din-
ner at Warragul Country Club on Saturday 22nd October.
The function aims to raise funds to keep L2P on the road. The event
includes:
• Three course Dinner;
• Road Safety Guest Speaker; and
Entertainment including the Victoria Police Pipe Band
Tickets are $100 per head with tables of 10 available.
The Program is also running a car raffle to be drawn on the night
(Tickets $10 ea) with first prize a New Holden Spark provided by Barry Bourke, Warragul.
For bookings or to purchase tickets in the car raffle contact L2P Coordinator Beth Carr on 0408 039 091
8
8
The Gannawarra Program gained a new sponsorship from Swan Hill and
Kerang Toyota offering a Toyota Yaris.
We are very fortunate to have such wonderful support in our local commu-
nities and thank local car dealers for getting on board through the provision
of motor vehicles.
Pic: Principal Dealer Sebastian Parseghian and L2P Program Coordinator
Phil Tennant.
St Kilda to Mordialloc (Continued from Page 5)
Why not take a break turning right down to Half Moon Bay and
have a coffee at the beachside kiosk? Enjoy the views down the
jetty to the rusting hulk of the HMS Cerberus, and to the West Gate
Bridge in the distance.
Approaching the turnoff from Beach Road to the Half Moon Bay
entry your learner needs to watch for the signs, indicate their right
turn well in advance, and look for oncoming traffic from around the
bend. The steep downhill road to the carpark needs to be watched.
Hitting the accelerator rather than the brake could see you in the Bay!
This is a great place to practice parking and three point turns. Keep an eye out for yachties and their trailers as they
look to park and launch from the ramp.
After your break, continue along the Beach Road to Mordialloc or
turn left at Charman Road or Warrigal Road - back home via the
Nepean Highway.
The Highway presents a whole new set of challenges for your
Learner with multiple lanes and fast moving traffic generally at 70
or 80 km/h.
Watch for lane changers, use your mirrors and do headchecks. Be
careful approaching busy cross-intersections with many speed and
red light cameras, waiting to catch careless or distracted drivers.
Teach your Learner to read the traffic and overhead intersection signals far ahead. And practice smooth driving,
approaching and exiting intersections.
Safe Driving.
Do you have a good and challenging drive where you take your learners? Why not share it with us in L2P Statewide. Send details (with pics if you can ) to L2P Statewide editor: [email protected]
9
9
KYABRAM BUSINESSES SUPPORT L2P
Eight disadvantaged Kyabram youth have secured
their Probationary licences since 2013 through the
Campaspe L2P Program with local businesses
jumping in the back seat to help.
The Program recently received sponsorship from
Salter’s Motor Panel Repairs and Jayell Ford, with
the businesses pledging support to cover mainte-
nance costs, servicing and insurance for the Ky-
abram-based car.
Project Co-ordinator Liz Smith said that L2P opened a world of opportunity for disadvantaged teens facing
difficulty in obtaining their licence and securing access to employment, education and training.
‘‘When you live in rural and regional communities it is almost impossible to hold down a job or access edu-
cation and training if you have no means of getting from A to B,’’ she said.
‘‘The program is addressing a real area of need in our communities with 29 active drivers with six more
learners waiting to start.’’
Salter’s Motor Panel Repairs owner Sharon Salter said she understood the importance of the program with
one of their female employees a former participant.
‘‘I’m a firm believer that all children deserve the same opportunity in life,’’ she said.
‘‘We don’t have access to public transport in Kyabram and some parents don’t have licences themselves to
be able to teach their kids to drive.’’
Jayell Ford general manager Peter Bastin said the success of the program was due to the volunteers’
effort.
‘‘My hat goes off to the volunteer mentors,’’ he said.
‘‘If it wasn’t for them there wouldn’t be a program, so they’re the ones who really deserve to be congratu-
lated.’’
Pic: Peter Bastin and Sharon Salter have both pledged support towards the L2P program. They are joined
by L2P project co-ordinator Liz Smith.
10
10
L2P FACES AND PLACES
A selection of happy new L2P Graduates from top left: Bianca G - Frankston, Sam - Ararat,
Nick, Rajib (learner) & John, Mohammed & Peter, Iftu -Yarra, Aleesha - Yarra.
11
11
SKY’S LEARNER JOURNEY
Sky who gained her Ps with the Mildura L2P Pro-
gram recently called in for a chat with L2P Co-
ordinator, Jenny Gibbons.
She said that her mentor Peter Winton was very
effective in giving her a good experience.
“When he needed to be he was ‘stern’, quiet and
with no chatting to give her time and space,” she
said.
This also helped when the test time came.
“Having a different mentor a few times helped pre-
pare her for the tester too. “ Jenny said.
She found that reduced stress later to get used to others in the car, not just the same mentor all the time.
Peter helped keep her calm, showed her how to change a tyre, how to refuel, and about the arrow which points to
the side of the fuel tank.
Sky’s professional instructor was very helpful - helped her to keep her anxiety in control, breathing, and positive self
- talk. He refined her reverse parking skills.
Jenny said that Sky was new to our community and quite isolated at the beginning of her time in L2P.
Peter became a friend to her, someone to talk to, ‘about everything' she said and she looked forward to the drives.
She hopes they will keep in contact.
Sky recently drove a friend to ‘Maccas’. Her friend was surprised that she stopped for three seconds at the Stop
sign, followed all the road rules and refused to have more than one friend drive with her in the car.
She won’t touch the mobile phone when driving and puts it in the glove compartment.
“I want to keep my licence” she said.
Having a manual licence has surprised others. All her friends drive automatic cars.
She is proud of her manual licence finding it hard at first but then later quite easy. Now with her own manual, she
loves driving. Sky believes that L2P is a brilliant program and we are lucky to have it in Vic-
toria.
“Although 120 hours does take ages, I feel much safer for this and believe it is better not
to rush it anyway.
Sky is still trying to navigate her way around the area but enjoying the challenge with her
licence, thanks to Mildura L2P run by Sunassist Volunteer Helpers.
12
12
STATS THAT MATTER
Congratulations to our new Probationary drivers and their mentors
APRIL 2016 - JULY 2016*
ALPINE: Lacey - Paul Sharman, James - Michael Jinnette, Justin - Noel
McDougal, Max - Ray Owens, Grace - Helen McDougal & Francesca
Wellington ARARAT: Telisia - Vance Bebbington & Ron Manneke-
Jones, Rhys - Dave Sanders, Courtney - Shel Healy & Vance Bebbing-
ton, Connor - Ross Healy, Sam - Leesa Waterman BANYULE: Melissa
-Steve Page, Thomas - Mel Boak, Hannah -Mel Boak, Benjamin - Mel
Boak, Eden - Mel Boak, Hamza - Roukaya Kobi, Rebecca - John
Greenland, Zainab - Mel Boak, BAW BAW: Brooke - Beth Carr,
Broden - Graham Parker, Cody - Gerry Prestney, Mia - Greg Walker
BAYSIDE: Mariah - Jen Howard, Tegan - Kayleen Rob, Alanah - Mal-
colm Baird, Jessy - Lyne Cockfield, Cindy - Gabriella Hont BASS
COAST: Paw - Gerry Lonergan, Kirsten - Burt Applebee, Birri-Li - Vince Baskerville, Molly - Richard Button.
BENALLA: Rachel - Harry Barber, Ashleigh - Rodney Gunston, Simon - Noela Halacas, Chloe -Daryl Longmuir,
Mikaylah - Geoff Wallis CAMPASPE: Alycia - Judi Lawler, Srayah - Rose-Ann Mulholland, Daniel - Rodney
Cole, Jordan - John Stone COLAC OTWAY: Tamara, Darcie, Amber - Laurie Ryan, Steil - Geoffrey Hunter,
Gabrielle - Rita Reid EAST GIPPSLAND: Harley - John Fallon & Wayne Stagg, Kevin - Julie Hooper & John
Ireland FRANKSTON: Connor - Howard Olley, Bianca G - Peter Whitehead & John Davidson, Thea - Colin
Benson, Colin Watson, Gary Thompson & Debbie Davies, Emma - Ronnie Van Taarling & Peter Whitehead,
Bryan - Richard Mcloughlin, Maddison - Gary Thompson & Leo McNiff, Emily - Franca Sena, Gary Thompson
& Leo McNiff, Nicola - Jenny Gay & Steve Mioduszewski, Lilian - Colin Watson & Veena Vincent GANNA-
WARRA: Daniel - Ian Forster, Daniel - Glenn Stanmore, Dylan - Ian Whitman, Darcy - Helen Milikins, Zac -
Lindsay Maplestone, Ricky - Phil Tennant GEELONG: Kae Kaw - Jeff Walker, Dah Dah - Jeff Walker, Hannah
- Dina Cahir, Matthew - Peter Barrett, Asadollah - David Kingsley MANNINGHAM: Moriah - Peter Moncrieff
MELTON/MOORABOOL: Achol - Gary, Hayden - Gary, Reagan - Rosalie MILDURA: Samantha - Gary Hux-
table, Kate - Lindsay Harris, Ali - Alfred Bosco, Breanne - Vic Etherington, Sky - Peter Winton, Mahnaz - Ian
Lowe & Ian Monteath MOIRA: Gillian - Shirley La Marquand, Tanisha - Heather Crosthwaite & Neil
Duffield PORT PHILLIP: Sam - Liz Lekic PYRENEES: Lauren - Natasha Carnes, Josh - Maria Loriente STON-
NINGTON: Fatemah - Brett Hughes, Connor - Astrid Ajzensztat, Simone - Brendan Corr SWAN HILL: Taylah
- Corey Frost, Joshua - Greg Edwards, David - Ian Boys, Lorrain - Phil Tennant, Razia -David Hackett WHITE-
HORSE: Jacob - Mick Denton & Joe Cataldo, Allen - Jim Sledge WHITTLESEA: Namatulla, Adam & Joshua -
Paul Wilson YARRA: Azhar - Chris Forehan, Iftu - Chris Forehan, Alex - Jim Callahan, Samira - Nanette Bold
& Kevin Fox, Tsegay - Kasper Ewenson & Toyin Abass , Murad - Peter Rogan, Aleesha - Martyn Brogan, Hali-
ma - Bronwyn Nichols.
*As advised by Program Coordinators