As part of the Thomas Road Duplication project in Casuarina, Main Roads contributed $100,000 to the City of Kwinana to be spent on local Aboriginal initiatives, administered by the Boola Maara (Many Hands) Aboriginal Consultative Committee (previously the Boola Maara Advisory Group). The funding covered the purchase of three vehicles and their conversion to dual-control vehicles to conduct driving lessons, the software and management system, instructor training and for thirty individuals to obtain driver’s licences.

After an invitation from local groups, a judging panel including the City of Kwinana Mayor, Peter Feasey, and Main Roads representatives, awarded funding to Medina Aboriginal Culture Centre to establish the Deadly Driving Program with the aim of providing free driving lessons to local Aboriginal community members.

Paul Garlett, Chairperson of the Medina Aboriginal Culture Centre, shared that the program includes the cost of lessons, pick-ups from individual’s homes if needed and ensuring required hours of driving are completed for driving assessments. This provides the participating Aboriginal community members with the opportunity to acquire a valid driver’s licence, which could assist them in gaining meaningful employment. The program is built around sustainability with funding sources in place to ensure its long-term viability after the initial contribution has been expended.

Find out how we engage with local communities to better understand their needs here.