Driving Access and Equity Program grants are now open to support eligible organisations and projects in the Mid-West and Gascoyne regions that help disadvantaged learner drivers, particularly those in regional Western Australia, obtain their driver’s licence.
A total of $1.2 million in funding is available for projects and initiatives that address local barriers preventing people from obtaining their driver’s licence, including improving access to appropriately licensed vehicles, driving supervisors and instructors.
The Driving Access and Equity Program is a McGowan Government initiative managed by the Department of Transport to help disadvantaged people become safe, employable drivers.
The program is already established in the Kimberley and Pilbara, where 12 community-based organisations were awarded grants totalling close to $3.5 million through two funding rounds in February and March this year.
Applications for the Mid-West and Gascoyne round of the Driving Access and Equity Program grants close on Monday, 3 October 2022. For more information or to apply, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/daep
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The opening of the Driving Access and Equity Program grants in the Mid-West and Gascoyne continues the great work the program is doing to overcome barriers preventing disadvantaged people from getting their driver’s licence.
“We’ve undertaken extensive engagement with the local community in the Mid-West and Gascoyne, and this has highlighted a genuine need for more support for disadvantaged young people trying to access a driver’s licence.
“We’re already starting to see the difference these grants can make through organisations in the Kimberley and Pilbara who were the first to receive funding support through the program.
“They now have the additional resources and capacity to help significantly more people through the licensing process, and the resulting stories we are hearing of people brimming with pride and ready to tackle new jobs and opportunities after getting their licence, are wonderful to hear.
“I encourage eligible organisations in the Mid-West and Gascoyne to apply for the grants so people in these regions can receive the support they require to obtain a driver’s licence.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“I am really thrilled that this important program will be rolled out in the Mid-West and Gascoyne, following the success we’ve seen in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
“I know accessing a driver’s licence can be challenging for many people in our community, and these grants will help organisations provide more support to disadvantaged young people who need and want a driver’s licence.
“We should never underestimate how powerful having access to a driver’s licence can be – it helps people hold down jobs, get education and training, access health services and connect with their community.
“I really want to encourage local organisations to consider applying for these grants and play a role in helping disadvantaged community members access a driver’s licence.”
