The Victorian Government is investing $144,000 to help nearly 80 women in Bendigo and Shepparton gain their driver’s licence, opening up access to work and easing daily life for regional families.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne announced the funding for the Driving to Employment Program, which supports women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to secure probationary licences through more than 14 paid lessons—amounting to around 40 hours of supervised driving experience.
A lack of transport options, including the inability to obtain a driver’s licence, is often a barrier to employment for women in regional areas. The program, delivered under the Victorian Government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program (FLTSP), aims to address those barriers and improve access to work and community participation.
WomenCAN Australia, the charity delivering the initiative, has a long-standing focus on helping women reconnect with jobs and training opportunities. It previously supported 40 women from Maribyrnong, Mildura, and Bendigo to obtain their licences.
Minister Horne said the government was committed to ensuring every Victorian could move around freely. “We’re delivering this program to make sure that every Victorian can get to work and access the services they need,” she said.
Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the initiative reflected the government’s focus on supporting working families. “This is all about helping working people and families – making sure more women have access to the job they want, deserve and rely on.”
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the program was a practical way to support regional communities. “By supporting women to get their drivers licence, we are making life easier for busy regional families.”
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said it was about more than road skills. “This is just one example of how we are equipping women not only with the skills to drive, but with the independence to thrive.”
WomenCAN Australia CEO Heather Saunders welcomed the funding, describing it as transformative for women’s independence. “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this vital funding for our Driving to Employment program. In regional areas like Bendigo and Shepparton, a driver’s licence isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential to financial independence,” she said.
“Our experience shows that when women overcome transport barriers, they can access better jobs, support their families, and fully participate in community life. This investment will transform lives by giving women the mobility, confidence and independence they need to thrive.”
Since 2018, the FLTSP has supported more than 200 community transport projects across Victoria, working with councils and local organisations to tailor solutions that connect people to opportunity.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
