Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne announced a $144,000 investment in the Driving to Employment Program which will support almost 80 women living in Shepparton and Bendigo to gain a probationary licence.
The program provides each participant with more than 14 paid driving lessons — giving them about 40 hours of driving experience in varying conditions.
Research shows that lack of access to transport, including a driver’s licence, can be a barrier to women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in regional areas.
Delivered through the government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, this announcement will help women in Bendigo and Shepparton to overcome those barriers and give them a greater chance of securing ongoing employment.
WomenCAN Australia runs the program and is a charity that assists women to reconnect with jobs and work in their areas — it previously received funding to support 40 culturally and linguistically diverse women across Maribyrnong, Mildura and Bendigo in getting a probationary driver’s licence.
Ms Horne said the government was delivering this program “to make sure that every Victorian can get to work and access the services they need”.
WomenCAN Australia chief executive Heather Saunders said she was thrilled to receive the funding for the Driving to Employment program.
“In regional areas like Bendigo and Shepparton, a driver’s licence isn’t just a convenience — it’s essential to financial independence,” she said.
“Our experience shows that when women overcome transport barriers, they can access better jobs, support their families and fully participate in community life.
“This investment will transform lives by giving women the mobility, confidence and independence they need to thrive.”
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