Young people in Wellington can now travel to activities and events in their local area thanks to funding from the NSW Government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships grants program.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said $18,000 will go to the Worldly Wellington program and more than $45,000 to Wiradjuri Wheels.
“This funding for the Worldly Wellington program will allow 10 people to train for a Medium Rigid driver’s licence,” said Mr Saunders.
“These drivers will give back to the community by volunteering a minimum of 40 hours over the next two years getting the local youth to-and-from events and activities. They will be an ongoing resource for the community for years to come.
“The Wiradjuri Wheels funding has gone towards hiring a bus from the local Aboriginal Land Council to help get the kids to the school and activities on offer.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the Government’s support of the programs will mean local youths, including those from the nearby Aboriginal community at Nanima, can be more active and engage in social activities outside of their schools.
“Public transport in the Wellington area is limited and this affects the ability of young people, who have no access to private transport, to attend social, educational, cultural, and sporting activities,” Mr Toole said.
“In addition to helping launch this transport link, Dubbo Hub, Wellington PCYC, Wellington Information and Neighbourhood Centre, the Wellington Rugby League Club, Dubbo Regional Council and the local swimming club have created programs which run three days each week after school, and throughout the school holidays to brighten the lives of some of our disadvantaged kids.”
The Wiradjuri Wheels program is currently under way with the Worldy Wellington program expected to commence soon. The programs will both run for two years.
For more information visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/transport-access-regional-partnerships-tarp-grants-program