Thank you to our volunteer TAC L2P mentor drivers

Published on 28 June 2024

Nillumbik’s volunteer TAC L2P mentors have been recognised for their work in steering the success of the Shire’s learner driver program.

Mayor Ben Ramcharan and Cr Frances Eyre presented the mentors with certificates of appreciation at a celebration event this week in the Council Chamber as the program transitions to a new provider - the Banyule Nillumbik Local Learning Employment Network.

“Our volunteer mentor drivers have made an incredible difference to the lives of hundreds of young people,” Cr Ramcharan said.

“Since the program began in Nillumbik 13 years ago, 115 mentors have given their time to help young learner drivers get the hours and experience required to obtain their probationary driver’s licence.

“Thank you for helping get our young people safely on the road, we are incredibly grateful for your time and guidance.”

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers aged 16-21, who don’t have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle, gain the required driving experience for a probationary licence.

Since the program began in Nillumbik, 550 learner drivers have participated and almost 300 have obtained their probationary licence. The L2P vehicles have travelled 740,000km, and about 30,000 learner hours have been logged.

From 1 July, the Banyule Nillumbik Local Learning Employment Network (BNLLEN) will take over the delivery of Nillumbik’s TAC L2P Program, with Council continuing to play an active role as a key partner.

With Council’s contract to deliver the program expiring at the end of June, combined with changes to eligibility criteria, Council made the decision to transition the program to the not-for-profit organisation, which has significant experience in operating the City of Banyule’s L2P Program.

There will be no changes for participants or volunteers, and Council will continue to be actively involved. The Eltham CFA will continue to store one of the L2P vehicles, while the other remains securely stored at the Hurstbridge Community Hub, providing easy access for mentors and participants.

“We are looking forward to working with BNLLEN to continue the success of the program. To all our mentors past and present, thank you,” Cr Ramcharan said.

For more information on the TAC L2P Program, visit the Nillumbik Youth website. 

L2P volunteer mentors at the appreciation evening with Mayor Ben Ramcharan, Cr Frances Eyre and Council staff.