Representatives from Collie PCYC, Premier Coal, Collie Police and Station Motors Holden Collie came together to officially welcome the Drive to the Future program in town.
The Drive to the Future program will provide motor vehicle driving theory tests to kids in families in at-risk or low socio-economic positions. The program will assist participants in obtaining their motor vehicle licenses, from the Keys for Life through to the P-Plate stages.
Collie PCYC Manager Linda Gallagher said they were looking for help from businesses and community members to help raise the $3700 fundraising target as well as volunteers to help with required driving hours.
She said the project will lead to an increase in employment opportunities and decrease in anti-social or criminal incidences in areas across Western Australia.
“We’re actually the first rural town to take it on board, it’s a pilot program at the moment as we look to ensure that we can maintain it and that it is viable for us to continue,” she said.
“The youth we’ve approached are kids that are coming through the centre and they can’t believe that they will get their license, it’s something they never thought would be possible.”
Ms Gallagher said Drive to the Future was one of several youth-centred diversionary programs the facility was looking to introduce this year.
She said the centre had already noticed a high demand for the initiative.
Premier Coal Marketing Manager Chris Knight said the company was privileged to donate $5000 to Drive to the Future in Collie, through the Premier Coal Community Grants program.
Ian Welsh of Station Motors Holden Collie provided a vehicle for the program at reduced cost.
Alert Driving owner and qualified driving instructor Anna Farrell has come on board to guide the lessons.
Ms Farrell said it was an absolutely fantastic program, provided an advantage for youth in Collie and was essential for people in this current economic climate.
If you like to donate to the program for find out more information contact Ms Gallagher on (08) 9734 5767 or at linda.gallagher@wapcyc.com.au.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
