Great local relationships are helping to keep the TAC L2P Program in central Castlemaine ensuring the program continues to be easy to access for learner drivers and volunteers.
The TAC L2P program was previously run by CHIRP Community Health. But following integration with Castlemaine Health in 2021 and Maldon Hospital in 2022, Dhelkaya Health is now the organisation responsible for L2P. The L2P program is also supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Lisa, Dhelkaya Health’s L2P Coordinator, says: “When Community Health moved to Spencely House in Cornish Street site, we were keen to maintain a presence for L2P in town. With the support of Castlemaine Community House and the Castlemaine Police Station, we’ve managed to do this.”
Martyn, Manager of Castlemaine Community House, was keen to offer his support for the arrangement. Martyn said: “New learners can meet their driver mentor at Community House. We are just a few minutes’ walk away from the school bus stop.”
Dhelkaya Health’s Community Health Information Hub recently opened at Community House, so the two organisations already had a co-location arrangement in place.
The L2P vehicle is now located at the Castlemaine Police Station for convenience and security. Senior Sargent Darren says: “From the Victoria Police’s perspective, the L2P program means safer young drivers on our roads.”
The TAC L2P program matches young learner drivers with a trained volunteer to help them achieve the necessary 120 hours of driving practice.
The program is currently looking for learners who face a barrier acquiring 120 hours to apply, and volunteers with driving experience to help learner drivers gain on-the-road driving experience through the TAC L2P Program.
Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or joining as a learner driver should contact Dhelkaya Community Health on 5479 1000.
The TAC L2P Program is funded by TAC and managed by the Department of Transport. To find an L2P program in your area visit the VicRoads website.
For more information
Online at https://chirp.org.au/programs/mount-alexander-l2p-program or www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/tacl2p
Contact Mount Alexander L2P Coordinator Lisa on 0429 708 707.
