The Wanderer Program assists individuals who struggle to complete the required 50 hours of supervised driving by offering comprehensive support. Participants receive access to safe, roadworthy vehicles, assistance with obtaining necessary identification documents, and help with setting up payment plans for infringement fines. The program also provides support for paying off court fines through the ...
McGovern Foundation
Wanderer Program: Comprehensive Support for Learner Drivers

GOAL
$15,000
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Our organisation is dedicated to creating positive, lasting change for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Our mission is to close the gap in life outcomes by addressing systemic inequities.
We aim to empower individuals through education, mentoring, and access to essential resources. Our approach is built on our values of integrity, equity, making a difference, and fostering a sense of belonging.
The Wanderer Program provides practical support to those who may not have the resources to obtain a driver’s license, helping them on the road to opportunity and independence. The program offers comprehensive support to ensure that participants can complete 50 hours of supervised driving, a barrier for many.
It provides resources and support, including access to safe, roadworthy vehicles, help obtaining identification documents, and help pay off fines. The program guides participants through obtaining a Learner’s Permit, learning basic vehicle maintenance and safety, completing 50 supervised hours with a driver mentor, passing the driving
assessment.
We achieve our mission through direct service delivery, partnerships with community, and advocacy for systemic change. Our programs address immediate needs while equipping individuals with skills and confidence to build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Project Summary
The Wanderer Program assists individuals who struggle to complete the required 50 hours of supervised driving by offering comprehensive support. Participants receive access to safe, roadworthy vehicles, assistance with obtaining necessary identification documents, and help with setting up payment plans for infringement fines. The program also provides support for paying off court fines through the Work Permit Development Scheme. All costs associated with obtaining your driver’s licence are covered by the Foundation.
Mentors, chosen for their experience in Youth Work, Community Service, or Mentoring, play a crucial role. They work closely with participants for the full 50 hours, ensuring a strong, supportive relationship that fosters a safe and engaging learning environment. This one-on-one mentoring not only helps participants complete their driving requirements but also addresses broader challenges, such as barriers to employment and stable housing.
Mentors assist in learning basic vehicle maintenance and safety, completing the required supervised driving hours, and passing the practical driving assessment. The meaningful connection between mentor and participant is central to the program’s success, providing a foundation for achieving driving goals and improving overall life circumstances.
Project Outcomes
In Australia, the percentage of disadvantaged people without a driver’s licence is significantly higher than the national average. Between 30% to 50% of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds - including those from low socioeconomic areas, Indigenous communities, remote regions - do not have a driver’s licence.
The Wanderer Program aims to reduce the below barriers :
- Financial Barriers: Cost of obtaining a licence, including fees for driving lessons, tests, and required identification documents, can be prohibitive for low-income individuals.
- Access to Resources: People in remote or rural areas may have limited access to driving schools, vehicles for practice, and testing centres.
- Cultural and Social Factors: In some Indigenous communities, cultural factors, mistrust of authorities, or lack of support may hinder the process of obtaining a licence.
- Educational Barriers: Disadvantaged individuals may struggle with the literacy and numeracy skills required to pass learners permit theory test and hazard perception tests.
- Legal Challenges: Individuals with a history of interactions with the criminal justice system may face additional challenges in obtaining a license due to fines, suspensions, or legal restrictions.
Higher rate of not having a driver’s license among disadvantaged people exacerbates issues of social isolation, unemployment, reduced access to essential services, further entrenching disadvantage.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $150,000
FUNDING
Funding source | Amount |
---|---|
Mineral Resources (confirmed) | $67,500 |
Hawaiian (confirmed) | $67,500 |
Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $15,000 |
EXPENSES
Expense item | Amount |
---|---|
Driver Mentor | $85,000 |
Vehicle | $28,000 |
Fuel | $3,000 |
Department of Transport Fees - Learners Permit, Hazard Perception, Logbook, Practical Driving Assessment, Driver licence | $15,000 |
Insurance & Car registration | $2,500 |
Staff Training | $2,000 |
Dual Control installation | $2,200 |
Administration | $12,300 |
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