Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall launched of the Gwydir Learning Region’s Driver Training School. Pictured from left are GLR Manager Duncan Thain, Adam Marshall, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, GLR Trainer Kingsley Grills and Gwydir Shire Council Mayor John Coulton.
LEARNING to drive has just got a whole lot easier in the Gwydir Shire with the launch in Warialda last week of council’s new Driver Training School by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
The Gwydir Learning Region (GLR), the educational arm of the Gwydir Shire Council, recently purchased a dual control car which will allow accredited driving instructor Kingsley Grills to provide driving lessons and conduct driver safety courses.
Mr Marshall congratulated the GLR on its initiative and commitment to provide such an important service to the district’s youth.
“It’s an excellent program and will be of great benefit to community,” Mr Marshall said.
“Until now, young people in this district have relied solely on their family and friends for their lessons.
“If they wanted formal instruction they’ve had to travel to other centres outside the shire. It’s been quite an imposition and I certainly believe this initiative will prove to be very successful.
“The program is still in its infancy but the intention is to work closely with the district’s school principals and offer various courses such as defensive driving. It will be a ‘needs-driven’ program.”
Gwydir Learning Region Manager Duncan Thain said the driving school is based at the GLR Automotive Trade Training Centre, in Apollo Avenue, Warialda.
“Although the GLR has funded the purchase of the car, this is to be a stand-alone business venture which will cover our operating costs and maintenance of the vehicle,” Mr Thain said.
“This needs to be a viable business and our rates will reflect that; they need to be competitive and affordable.
“We will be talking with school principals in the district and discussing with them what programs they’d like to see run in their schools. It’s very early stages yet but we’re delighted that we are now offering a service to the community that they haven’t had.”