Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services is celebrating a major achievement, with Melton and Moorabool L2P coordinator Tanya Padgett bringing home the Promotion and Engagement Award at this year’s Victorian L2P conference.
Mrs Padgett was presented the award for her hard work and dedication to the L2P program and her ability to strengthen community visibility while also encouraging participation for young learner drivers and volunteer mentors.
Mrs Padgett said the recognition reflected the collective effort behind the local program.
“This award means a great deal to me personally because it recognises not just my efforts, but the combined commitment of our mentors, Djerriwarrh, and the community sponsors who make the L2P program possible,” she said.
“It reflects the dedication of everyone I’ve had the privilege to work with.”
Over the past two and a half years, Mrs Padgett has worked to ensure the smooth delivery of the program, which aims to support disadvantaged young people who don’t have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, with her background working in high schools giving her valuable insight into the barriers learners face both in getting their license and in their personal lives.
Mrs Padgett’s role includes recruiting and training volunteer mentors, supporting learners on and off the road, and building partnerships to strengthen the program.
“What I enjoy most is seeing the growth and confidence that learner drivers develop as they progress, as well as the sincere dedication mentors bring to supporting them,” she said.
“Without the mentors, there would be no program.”
