A local volunteer has recently been recognised at the state level for his commitment to the PCYC Braking the Cycle (BTC) program as the program celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.
Alan Williamson was flown to Brisbane last December and recognised for eight years of service to the program at a presentation at Parliament House.
“Alan is our longest running mentor in Mackay,” said BTC Program Coordinator Tanya Brown.
“He has done it since the program started in Mackay, so eight years, he’s been doing it weekly for eight years now.”
BTC is a volunteer driver mentor program supporting learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their logbook hours by pairing them with a volunteer driving mentor.
Alan got involved after a long career of driving buses, trucks and taxis in New Zealand and Australia, hearing a radio ad that seemed perfectly timed.
“I was doing runs around Nebo area and listening to the ABC every morning,” he said.
“When my wife was alive, she encouraged me to try to teach kids how to drive, even adults how to drive, and this came up.
“It was exactly what I wanted to do.
“Over the years, since I started driving buses, I’ve had a lot of people, and I mean heaps of people, compliment me on my driving skills.
“Those are the skills I’ve got, and I’d like to pass them on,”
Alan thanks a defensive driving course for his driving skills – something he says all young drivers should have access to.
“Defensive driving in New Zealand is totally different to what it is here,” he said.
“It helps younger people, it doesn’t cost you anything, volunteers teach you and I think it should be something we really need to look at.”
With 25-30 participants active in the program at one time and plenty more on the waitlist, Ms Brown said there’s high demand for volunteers.
“You need to have a really patient demeanour,” she said.
“They end up being that listening ear for the kids.
“The kids do tend to trust and unload.”
Vehicles are provided by PCYC for sessions, as is insurance, and volunteers need to have held an open driver’s license for 12 months and hold a blue card or be willing to obtain.
For more information, contact Tanya Brown on 0437 597 736 or email tanya.brown@pcyc.org.au.
Braking the Cycle Volunteer Alan Williamson and Program Coordinator Tanya Brown
Mr Williamson (far right) was recognised for eight years of service at BTC’s 10-year anniversary celebrations in Brisbane
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