Mazda backs mentor program

City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett with Berwick Mazda general sales manager Trevor Arnold.

By BRIDGET COOK

SUPPORT from Berwick Mazda has been a driving force behind the continued success for Casey’s L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program.
The car dealer has just donated its fourth new fully maintained and serviced vehicle to the program since it began in 2010.
The community-based road safety initiative assists learners without ready access to supervising drivers or vehicles to maximise their supervised driving experience in a new vehicle with a trained volunteer mentor driver.
City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett said the program would not be possible without the generosity and support of Berwick Mazda.
“The continued commitment from Berwick Mazda is key in keeping the program running and providing Casey’s youth with the skills necessary to drive safely,” he said.
The City of Casey is currently receiving a steady flow of applications from young people wishing to join the program, so additional support is required in order for the program to remain sustainable.
“The program relies heavily on volunteer participation and there is currently a need for new volunteers to assist young drivers,” Cr Ablett said.
Since its introduction, the L2P program has helped 102 young people gain driving experience and 64 of these participants have gained their probationary licences.
Casey volunteers have provided more than 7000 hours of driving experience and together with participants have travelled more than 180,000 kilometres.
Businesses or community members who would like to support the L2P Program can contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200.