Young adults from across the region who would have previously found it challenging to accrue the necessary hours to pass their driving test will now have the opportunity to access a vehicle and learn to drive for free with the Whitsunday Braking the Cycle Driving Mentor Program.
Newly appointed coordinator, Declan Coull, will be managing the program which is operated from the PCYC Whitsunday.
At just 18 years of age, Declan is young for the role but Youth Club Manager Sergeant Billy Li said that he came with some impressive credentials which more than qualified him for the job.
Driving go-karts and competing at events across West Australia and South Australia since he was 10 years old, Declan has impressed many driving professionals with his talent.
During this time, he won the Future Star Award, an award from the Australia Institute of Sports and several championships.
Last year he initiated a Defensive Driving Course to help teach young drivers’ life-saving road safety skills.
He is also competing in the Australian Formula Three this year, which will be televised nationally.
With a passion for helping people, and a talented racing car driver himself, Declan was ideally suited to take the role of the Braking the Cycle Whitsunday coordinator.
Under his guidance, disadvantaged youth who do not have access to a supervisor or a vehicle will now be able to apply for the program which can offer up to 90 minutes in free driving practice with a qualified mentor each week.
Applicants simply need to be over 16 and have a minimum of 10 hours driving experience.
Steve Fraser has volunteered his time to mentor young learner drivers with the program and is looking forward to helping out.
"I am really excited to be part of this ground-breaking program,” he said.
“Many young people have no opportunity to actually begin to get their driving licence due to one reason or another and I believe a current driving licence is crucial to anyone wanting to break into employment.
“I really hope that I can make a difference to the lives of some young people.”
If you would like apply for this free program simply email Declan on btcwhitsunday@pcyc.org.au.
They are also looking for additional driver mentors who need to have a minimum of one year driving experience and be willing to get a blue card. If you have some spare time and would like to help young people, please reach out.
Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC and Braking the Cycle Coordinator for the Whitsundays Declan Coull
