NEWS 05
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2023
Deadly Badu drivers ready to hit the roads
The Queensland Government’s Deadly Drivers Program has helped more than 25 Badu Islanders on their way to attaining their Provisional Driver’s Licence (P1 and P2) over the past few weeks. The program, supported by Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM), delivered training and licence testing support, including road safety education, to more than 30 participants in the community. Facilitated by Barry Lea from the Indigenous Driver Licensing team, the program has achieved remarkable results including: • 10 participants completing the Hazard Perception Test, a prerequisite for the Practical Driving Test. • 15 individuals completing practice tests for heavy vehicle licensing. • Five individuals completing their birth certificate application and registration processes. • More than 30 community members seeking general information on licence renewal, learner licences, documentation requirements, blue card photographs, and related procedures. Barry said the program had been well-received by the community and said face-to-face support in regional and remote communities was critical. “Having a local presence allows community members to receive first hand guidance from someone well-versed in dealing with various
departments,” he said. “The Indigenous Driver Licensing team works closely with community groups on local road safety initiatives to increase licence ownership of First Nations peoples and provide pathways to positive social, economic and wellbeing opportunities that come with licence ownership and safer road use behaviours.” MGNM Training and Programs Manager, Jillian Bowie agreed. “Many people in our communities are unaware of the required documentation and prerequisites for progressing from their Learner Licence to Provisional Licence,” she said. “There are other barriers such as outstanding fines, birth certificate registrations, and applications that often create further challenges when trying to secure a driver’s licence. “Holding a valid driver’s licence will support people in securing quality employment. “Having Barry and his team provide one-on-one assistance has helped people to work through their barriers and become eligible to sit the test for their Provisional Licences.” She said the program filled a crucial gap in the Torres Strait with the success of the Badu program bound to support its return to other communities in the region. Pics supplied.
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