SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) have paid tribute to the dedication of one of its Southern Grampians TAC (Transport Accident Commission) L2P Program mentors, Neil Sandford, who was recently honoured at the L2P Mentor Awards in Melbourne for his outstanding contribution to helping young people in the Hamilton community get their driver’s licenses.

At 82 years old, Mr Sandford’s passion to help young drivers learn has been an inspiration.

Mr Sandford said although it was great to be acknowledged with the award, the most rewarding part of volunteering was seeing the joy on his students’ faces when they passed their driving tests.

“It was great to get the recognition,” he said.

“It at least shows we’re doing something worthwhile (but) it’s more about the kids getting their licence.

“The kids are pretty nervous and when they get their confidence … you see them growing with it and it’s great.”

Mr Sandford said he had helped around 30 students with their driving and about half of those go on to pass.

His experience allows him to assist even the most challenging learners, and his involvement in other volunteer groups further exemplifies his commitment to service.

The Southern Grampians TAC L2P Program is an initiative which pairs eligible Victorian learner drivers aged 16 to 21 with experienced drivers to help them obtain their licence.

It helps them to gain important driving experience with a trained volunteer mentor.

Mr Sandford said getting a licence these days was vastly different to how he obtained his licence so many years ago.

“We never had driving lessons,” he said.

“I learnt in a 1938 Dodge and went up to the police station where I came from - Dad was with me - and the policeman just said, ‘I’ve seen this kid driving around - he’s alright’ - and that was how I got my licence - it was a very different world - we didn’t even have women drivers in those days.”

Mr Sandford said he volunteered anything up to 20 hours per week.

“At the moment I’ve got five kids on the go,” he said.

“We usually go out for two to two and a half hours at a time.”

He said it also involved taking the learners out driving at night because learners have to get up at least 20 hours of night driving out of a total of 120 hours of driving before they can go for their probationary licence.

“I also teach them how to change a tyre - I teach them everything about driving.”

The TAC L2P Program is funded by TAC and the Department of Transport and Planning and is coordinated/delivered by SGSC.

SGSC mayor, David Robertson expressed gratitude on behalf of council and congratulated Mr Sandford on his recent award as part of the TAC L2P program.

“Neil’s enduring commitment has resulted in over 30 matches and 15 P-plate licenses achieved and undoubtedly has enabled young individuals in the Southern Grampians community to gain their licences,” he said.

“We are incredibly lucky to have dedicated volunteers like Neil involved in our Council programs as without them, they just aren’t possible.

“Like Neil, the efforts of our volunteers enhance the quality of life for all residents young and old, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions.

“We’re always on the lookout for potential new TAC L2P volunteer mentors, so if you are interested in donating your time and skills to this valuable program, please get in touch with Council.”

Mr Sandford’s positive attitude, sense of humour, and patience make him a favourite among learners, who feel comfortable and secure driving with him.

He said he would continue on in the role.

“I love it,” Mr Sandford said.