Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services is celebrating the success of Tanya Padgett, Coordinator of the Melton and Moorabool L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program, who has received the Promotion and Engagement Award at the Victorian L2P Conference.
Presented by the Department of Transport and Planning, the award honours individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to promoting the L2P program, strengthening community engagement, and encouraging participation from young learner drivers and volunteer mentors across Victoria.
Tanya said the recognition reflects the combined effort of the many people who contribute to the program’s success.
“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.”
For more than two and a half years, Tanya has led the L2P program across Melton and Moorabool, supporting disadvantaged young people who do not have access to a car or an experienced supervising driver. Her previous work in high schools has given her deep insight into the challenges young people face—insight she brings to her support of learners both on the road and in their personal lives.
Her role includes recruiting, training and supporting volunteer mentors; helping learners overcome personal and practical barriers; and building community partnerships that strengthen the program’s reach.
“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. They are the heart of L2P.”
The L2P program provides more than driving experience. For many participants, it creates life‑changing opportunities. Tanya recalls one learner who was experiencing homelessness and significant personal challenges; with the support of a mentor and the program, they gained confidence, obtained their licence and built a pathway towards stable employment.
Djerriwarrh’s L2P program has been running for 16 years, supported by generous local sponsors across both Melton and Moorabool. Tanya said she is continually inspired by the resilience and commitment of the learners themselves.
“Supporting young people to get their driver’s licence and overcome personal obstacles is empowering,” she said. “It gives them independence, access to education and employment, and the ability to participate fully in their community.”
