Umbrella Group Great Southern one of four groups to share in $1.8m Driving Access and Equity Program funding

Four Great Southern community groups will share in almost $2 million in funding to help “remove obstacles” for disadvantaged people obtaining their driver’s licence. Umbrella Group Great Southern, Community Living Association, Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation received $1.8m in State government funding on Friday, as part of the Driving Access and Equity Scheme. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the money would help the groups buy vehicles, certify instructors, and mentor young drivers as well as helingp drivers get the necessary documents for their licence. “We know that having a driver’s licence in regional WA is a big step to making sure you can secure a job,” she said. “We know many instances where people may not have access to a vehicle, or they may not have access to family members who can actually supervise their driving. “The program is about removing obstacles to give everyone a chance to get a driver’s licence and then secure a job.” UGGS MIYAD Wheels co-ordinator Suzanne Thomas said its $533,431 share of the grant would make a “huge difference” to its service, which has helped 83 disadvantaged people get their licences over three years. “Through our work, we have seen firsthand the positive difference a driver’s licence can make to people’s lives and employment opportunities,” she said. “This is vital in regional areas where distances covered can be vast. “In collaboration with other agencies and organisations in the greater Albany area, we are grateful for the opportunity to further help and serve the needs of future drivers in our community.” Eighteen-year-old Chrissy Szuca used the MIYAD service to get her licence in June last year and said it was a “big thing” for programs to help young and vulnerable people complete the milestone. “I’ve been able to take on more responsibility at work and take on longer shifts as I’m not having to be run around by my parents,” she said. “I did most of my hours through (MIYAD) and am very grateful for the things that they’re offering and how they’re wanting to put in effort to the young people who are coming up in the next generation.”