RACQ has partnered with Former Origin Greats (FOGs) to help indigenous students secure their licence, and become safe and responsible drivers.
The motoring group and insurance provider will donate $60,000 a year over the next two years to FOGs’ ARTIE Academy Drivers Licence Program, to help students learn about road safety and ultimately pass their learners’ test.
“The program has helped 60 students so far but with our support, another 60 will be able to join in,” said David Contarini, RACQ’s head of community and education. “The sponsorship also means the program will be able to expand to the new ARTIE schools in north and far north Queensland as well as to six extra schools in southeast Queensland, which’ll be a game-changer for these communities.”
Contarini said helping young people secure their driver’s licence will positively affect not just the students, but also the community.
“Road safety’s incredibly important to us and through this program students have access to five free driving lessons, a pre-test lesson, car hire for the test, as well as workshops, all of which will make them safer and more competent drivers,” Contarini said. “The program also includes a free licence test and application, which removes that cost barrier to students who may not have been able to afford to get their licence otherwise.”
Gene Miles, FOGs executive chairman, said a driver’s licence would “provide students with a form of identification, independence, and opens up a world of employment opportunities.”
“Through RACQ’s sponsorship, we’ll be able to help more of our young people get off to the best and safest start possible into young adulthood and driving on the roads,” Miles said.
