The future of PCYC Queensland’s award-winning learner driver mentor program Braking the Cycle has been secured, with the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) announcing a further $15.96 million funding over the next five years to support young people to obtain their driver’s licence.
Currently supporting program delivery at 42 locations, MAIC funding will allow new and expanded sites across the state and is expected to help more than 700 young people obtain their licence in the next 12 months.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said extended funding for Braking the Cycle is incredibly positive for vulnerable and disadvantaged young Queenslanders who face barriers in completing their 100 hours of supervised driving.
“Additional funding will help hundreds of young people to obtain their licence safely, increase their employment and education opportunities and improve road safety outcomes. It also promotes positive interactions between participants and mentors who foster safe driving behaviours,” Mr Schultz said.
“Through MAIC support, Braking the Cycle has delivered 42,811 hours of supervised driving and assisted 722 participants to achieve their licence since 2017,” he said.
MAIC Insurance Commissioner Neil Singleton said he is proud of the partnership and looks forward to building on positive outcomes over the next five years.
“Braking the Cycle provides life-changing benefits to Queenslanders and we are proud of the number of graduates obtaining their licence and increasing their participation in employment and education activities,” Mr Singleton said.
“MAIC’s continued support will both consolidate and expand the program across the state, providing security to retain key staff and maintain a sufficient volunteer base to provide mentoring to participants.”
About PCYC Braking the Cycle
PCYC Braking the Cycle is now offered at 48 locations including 9 satellite and school-based locations across the state, with support from Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Since inception in 2012, PCYC Braking the Cycle has helped over 1,891 young people obtain their driver’s licence through a network of over 780 volunteer mentor drivers and has been awarded 13 State and National Road Safety Awards including a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in December 2018. For more information visit www.pcyc.org.au.