PCYC Queensland’s Braking the Cycle receives new car from Rotary Clubs
Monday 6 August 2018
PCYC Queensland is honoured to receive a brand-new Mazda2 from Mareeba Rotary, in conjunction with the Rotary E-Club of Outback Australia. The vehicle has been generously donated to support the PCYC Braking the Cycle program that commenced at PCYC Mareeba in June 2018.
The PCYC Braking the Cycle program is a learner driver mentoring program that empowers young people aged 16 to 25, who due to financial hardship or social barriers, would otherwise be unable to achieve the mandatory 100 hours of supervised driving.
Mareeba Rotary Immediate Past President, Matt Jacob, said they are proud to support the program by helping young people accomplish their hours of supervised driving in a safe vehicle.
“PCYC Braking the Cycle is a great program that can provide young people with increased employment chances, community connection and driver education,” said Mr Jacob.
PCYC Braking the Cycle is currently run at 24 PCYC clubs across Queensland. Since the program commenced in 2011 over 620 participants have obtained their drivers’ licences, which is made possible by the volunteer network of more than 500 driver mentors.
PCYC Mareeba branch manager, Sergeant Mary-Anne West, said the program could not run without the support of volunteer drivers. The entire branch of the Mareeba Road Policing Unit has all volunteered to become driver mentors, however more volunteers are needed.
“Our volunteer mentors act as supervisors, assisting the learners to develop positive road safety attitudes and practice their driving skills in a safe way, and also provide encouragement and help young people improve their self-esteem.” Sergeant West said.
“The program empowers young people to have an opportunity to gain employment or further their education, as living in a rural area with limited public transport often makes it difficult for young people to achieve their dreams,” she said.