Australian Refugee Assoc. Inc

Through supervised driving sessions with a Volunteer Driving Mentor, Learner drivers of refugee background have the opportunity to work towards completing their 75 hours of driving experience and gaining their P Plates. Volunteering in the program is a valuable way you can help learner drivers reach this life-changing goal.

The Australian Refugee Association provides a range of support services to people from migrant and refugee background. The ARA Drive Program assists new arrivals to gain their drivers licence, with the independence and opportunities this brings.

• Volunteers receive comprehensive training, including in-car training

• Car is fitted with all the safety equipment of a driving instructor vehicle, including a passenger side brake pedal

• Volunteers don’t take the place of a qualified driving instructor, the role is to supervise driving practice and provide guidance and encouragement to the learner driver

• All learner drivers have basic driving skills from completing lessons with a qualified instructor prior to joining the program

Additional volunteer requirements:

• Patience, understanding and respectful of varied cultural attitudes and expectations

• Complete application form, can be downloaded from ARA website

• Attend ARA Volunteer Orientation session

• Attend ARA Drive comprehensive training

• DHS Working With Children Clearance (available free for volunteers)

• National Police Check

• Reference check will be undertaken prior to becoming an active volunteer

Volunteers can benefit from the satisfaction of supporting new arrivals to achieve the life-changing goal of gaining their drivers licence. Volunteers have the opportunity to develop personal skills and confidence, to increase their community engagement, and gain a better understanding of the refugee and community services sector. Regular free training opportunities are provided.

Volunteers must be over 21 years old and have held a full Australian drivers licence for minimum 2 years.

Commitment: 6 months

Time Required: approx 2 - 4 hours per week

For further information, please contact the Volunteer Services Officer:

E: volunteer@ausref.net  PH: 8354 2951

Or download our application form:

https://www.australianrefugee.org/get-involved/giveyourtime/