A successful six new drivers have got their P-plates and 11 others have got their L-plates, thanks to free driving lessons from the Birrang Enterprise Development Company, facilitated through the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council.
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Over the past five weeks, Birrang driving instructor Brett Naden has been giving lessons to locals.
Birrang offers its instructors, lessons and vehicles for free to help Indigenous and disadvantaged people living in regional NSW get around and get employed with a licence.
Mr Naden said he was impressed with the commitment of the students, some of whom had been taking lessons every day, fitting them in around jobs and children.
Alyssa Bell was one of the first people in Yass to be taught by Brett and now has her P-plates.
She said the experience has been “life-changing.”
“Now, I can get a good job and get my son to school. I can finally be independent,” Ms Bell said.
Naden congratulated Alyssa for getting 100% in her test.
I wouldn’t have been able to afford the lessons without Birrang.
- Jessie Strachan
Jessie Strachan also got her P-plates and said she would recommend the program to everyone.
“Brett has been invaluable. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the lessons without Birrang and they offer their car for free too,” she said.
“I’ve got a six-year-old daughter and I’m a single parent. Now I can be independent and get her around; support her in the activities she wants to be involved in,” Ms Strachan said.
Bell and Strachan said the opportunity had also helped to build their self-confidence, both not believing they could pass, to begin with.
The Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council said it would be asking Naden back to do more lessons in the future, if possible.
I’m getting myself a car!
- Cynthia Bell
Another student, Cynthia Bell, said she would be continuing with lessons, after getting her L-plates with Naden’s help.
“I’m getting myself a car! I’ll be able to take my daughter to school and to the shops,” Ms Bell said.
The Land Council found Birrang after hearing from the community how important it is to get a licence.
Students thanked Brett, Birrang and the Local Land Council for hosting the program and for making it possible.
Naden thanked Service NSW for fitting in the knowledge and driving tests for students.
The Land Council will be holding NAIDOC celebrations in November. It is planning on installing a noticeboard out the front of the building at 11 Adele St, Yass, so the community can see which activities and opportunities it has coming up.
