Stories of change

“The team at Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation helped me achieve my learner’s licence and connected me to driving lessons. Without this support I would not have had the confidence, knowledge, or money to achieve the first step to getting my licence.

“I have now been approved to drive and get my log book hours with the Pilbara Ryde Program; this was after five lessons with Red Dirt Driving Academy. I am excited to drive with Pilbara Ryde and the friendly volunteer driving mentors. 

“Driving with other people has helped with my self-confidence and I can’t wait to get my licence.”

“Killara sat her learner’s session last week and I took her to get her leaner’s licence today. I am currently working with our driving school partner, Red Dirt Driving Academy, to set her up with lessons and she as you can see by the photos, is super excited to start driving with Pilbara Ryde.” 

Faime from Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation

When Brenton first started receiving support through Bloodwood Tree, he was staying at the Youth Accommodation Program (YAP) youth crisis accommodation and receiving assistance from Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation to find employment.

He was referred to Bloodwood Tree’s Enhanced Driver Training Program for driving lessons which helped him pass his Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).

Since passing his PDA, Brenton has reconnected with his parents and has left the YAP accommodation to live with his family. 

Brenton is seeking employment and having his driver’s licence will help improve his job prospects.

Joseph is being supported by the Youth Involvement Council Drive2Thrive staff to access housing and get his licence. 

Joseph was keen to get his manual licence so he could take on more responsibility at work but was nervous that he wouldn't be able to 
master it. With the help of his supervisors he is now “one hundred per cent confident driving a manual car."

Joseph said: "I wanna give a big thumbs up for the supervisors because I myself don't have a vehicle to do my hours with." 

“This was my second attempt going for my licence. Having professional driving instruction gave me the confidence to attempt the Practical Driving Assessment again.

“Since gaining my licence, I have permanent employment as a traffic controller and I no longer need to rely on my parents to take me around.

“The team at Nirrumbuk made me feel confident to try again, and I was successful.”