The Allan Labor Government is helping more women from diverse communities get their drivers licence in Bendigo and Shepparton - helping them find work and making life easier for regional families.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today announced a $144,000 investment in the Driving to Employment Program which support almost 80 women living in Bendigo and Shepparton to gain a probationary licence.
The program provides each participant with more than 14 paid driving lessons - giving them around 40 hours of driving experience in varying conditions.
Research shows that lack of access to transport including a drivers license, can be a barrier to women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in regional areas.
Delivered through the Labor Government's Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program (FLTSP) - this program will help women in Bendigo and Shepparton to overcome those barriers and give them a greater chance of securing ongoing employment.
WomenCAN Australia runs the program and is a charity that assists women to reconnect with jobs and work in their areas - they previously received funding to support 40 CALD women across Maribyrnong, Mildura and Bendigo get a probationary driver licence.
FLTSP works with local government and community organisations to identify and deliver local transport opportunities and enables the Labor Government to support the delivery of small-scale transport projects for local communities.
Since 2018, FLTSP has supported more than 200 initiatives across Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We're delivering this program to make sure that every Victorian can get to work and access the services they need."
As stated by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"This is all about helping working people and families - making sure more women have access to the job they want, deserve and rely on."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"By supporting women to get their drivers licence, we are making life easier for busy regional families."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"This is just one example of how we are equipping women not only with the skills to drive, but with the independence to thrive."
As stated by CEO WomenCAN Australia Heather Saunders
"We're absolutely thrilled to receive this vital funding for our Driving to Employment program. In regional areas like Bendigo and Shepparton, a driver's licence isn't just a convenience-it's essential to financial independence."
"Our experience shows that when women overcome transport barriers, they can access better jobs, support their families, and fully participate in community life. This investment will transform lives by giving women the mobility, confidence and independence they need to thrive."
