More Kimberley learner drivers on the road to opportunity

• $200,000 in Driving Access and Equity Program grant funding for learner drivers in Fitzroy Valley
• Funding continues to support disadvantaged drivers throughout WA
• The grant will enable improved services for learner drivers in 34 Fitzroy Valley communities
• More than $3.6 million in DAEP funding has already been invested in the Kimberley

Nearly $200,000 in grant funding will allow the Driving Access and Equity Program (DAEP) to expand learner driver services to the Fitzroy Valley, helping disadvantaged community members overcome barriers and access a driver's licence, helping improve employment opportunities.

The grant has been awarded to Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation (MWWAC) following the Fitzroy Valley DAEP grant round, which closed earlier this year.

The funding will allow MWWAC to expand their existing driver training program and help support local community members overcome barriers and assist more than 60 people with licensing requirements, including access to a safe vehicle, professional driving instruction and supervision, road rules education, and assistance with identity documents.

In 2022-23, the Department of Transport remote team visited and conducted over 925 transactions for communities across the Fitzroy Valley, showing the demand for licensing services in the region.

The expansion into the Fitzroy Valley means nearly $4 million in DAEP grant funding has now been invested into the Kimberley region.

Since the program launched in the Kimberley region, more than 175 disadvantaged community members have been supported to access their licence, while around 50 have gone on to secure employment as a result.

For more information on the Driving Access and Equity Program, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/accessequityprogram

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Driving Access and Equity Program is helping more people become safe and employable licensed drivers across WA.

"There are unique barriers some people in our community face when getting a driver's licence. This can be access to a safe vehicle, someone to assist with driver training, or difficulty obtaining the required identity documents.

"Having a driver's licence is a road to opportunity - not only for employment options, but also enabling independence and improving access to training/educational programs, healthcare, and essential services.

"Through this transformative program more than 626 people have gained their licence and 129 have gone on to secure employment, and that will only grow as we expand into new regions like the Fitzroy Valley."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"The DAEP program is enabling local Kimberley organisations like Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation help community members through the leaner driver process, so they can access a driver's licence and improve employment opportunities.

"We're already seeing the incredible outcomes of this program throughout the Kimberley region and expanding it into the Fitzroy Valley is an exciting step forward.

"We are excited that this additional funding will enable this life-changing program to be offered to more communities in the Kimberley."