Community Call-Out: Mentors Needed for Bowen’s Braking the Cycle Program

As regional communities continue to navigate workforce shortages and rising living costs, access to a driver’s licence remains one of the most significant barriers facing young people. In Bowen, one local program is working to remove that barrier, but it urgently needs more volunteers to keep the wheels turning.

The PCYC Queensland initiative, Braking the Cycle (BTC), is currently seeking volunteer mentors in Bowen to support young learner drivers who are unable to complete the mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving required to gain a Queensland licence.

Delivered locally through PCYC Bowen, Braking the Cycle is designed to assist young people facing barriers such as financial hardship, limited access to a suitable vehicle, or a lack of a licensed supervisor. Without support, many of these young people remain unable to obtain their licence, limiting their access to employment, training and education opportunities.

The program matches learner drivers with trained volunteer mentors and provides a safe, fully insured vehicle for lessons. Mentors play a practical role in helping participants develop safe driving skills and positive road safety behaviours, while also offering encouragement and a supportive community connection.

The benefits of the program extend beyond the individual learner. Research consistently links supervised mentoring programs with improved safe driving behaviours, reduced crash risk and stronger community engagement. Locally and statewide, Braking the Cycle reports that around 70 per cent of graduates move into employment or further education within three to six months of obtaining their licence.

However, the program’s continued success relies heavily on volunteer support. BTC Bowen is currently running critically low on mentors, placing pressure on its ability to meet demand from young people eager to complete their driving hours.

For those with time to give, even a few hours a week can make a measurable difference. In regional communities where public transport options are limited, a driver’s licence is often the key to independence, employment and connection.

As demand for the program continues, BTC Bowen’s call for volunteers highlights a broader truth: community-based initiatives rely on community participation. Without additional mentors stepping forward, some young people may face longer waits to access the support they need.

Residents interested in attending the morning tea or learning more about volunteering with Braking the Cycle are encouraged to contact PCYC Bowen for further information.

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