Sorell Council, in partnership with the State Government, today launched its B Ready program which offers free driver education and training to young people aged 16-25.

Mission Australia State Director Noel Mundy said to help the program get on the road, graduates from Mission Australia’s U-Turn program today donated a restored 1994 Subaru Liberty to assist in the driver training.

“U-Turn is a ‘best practice’ diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are at risk of becoming involved in, motor vehicle theft. The core component of the program is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment,” Mr Mundy said.

“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants repainted the Subaru, completed an engine service, undertook minor repairs and finished off with a thorough car detailing.

“The restored Subaru will assist the B Ready program deliver its six-week course covering topics such as road rules, safer vehicles, insurance and safe driving practices.

“The course also includes a 50-hour driver mentoring program to support disadvantaged young people to complete the required 50 hours driving experience in order to obtain a Provisional drivers licence.”

Mr Mundy said Mission Australia, through their U-Turn program, was pleased to donate the restored car and looked forward to it being used to help young learner drivers learn the road rules and install safe driving practices for life.

“Programs such as the Sorell Council’s B Ready program are vital for Tasmania’s youth to learn safe driving skills which will be carried throughout their driving life,” he said.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Hobart, but a supported accommodation service is also available to enable young people from other parts of the State to participate in the program. The program is delivered by Mission Australia, under contract to Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.

In this year’s budget, the State Government announced additional funding for U-Turn to enable two part-time youth workers to be appointed as dedicated post-course support workers. The State Government has also committed ongoing funding for the program until June 2010.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania, located in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport.

ENDS
For more information: Lucinda Bray, Beyond PR, 6223 3333 or 0438 280 486