Recently, the Ballarat Foundation celebrated the dedication of four volunteer mentors whose combined 50 years of service have made a lasting difference to young people across Ballarat.

Congratulations to:

10 Years of Service
Lorraine Yeomans and Michael Dittloff

15 Years of Service
Harry Gibcus and Mark Tonzing

As volunteer mentors with the TAC L2P Program, Lorraine, Michael, Harry and Mark have supervised hundreds of hours of driving, celebrated many milestones and helped countless young people achieve their driver's licence.

For Lorraine, who has mentored around 15 learners over the past decade, the reward has always been seeing what a licence can mean for a young person. Every one of the learners she has taken through to their driving test passed on the first attempt.

"I think it's really important to give people an opportunity to get their licence, to give them opportunities in life, and improve their confidence. It's a big achievement," Lorraine said.

She says one of the best parts of volunteering has been getting to know the young people she has supported.

"All the learners I have taught have been lovely. I've enjoyed the interactions and keeping in touch with the young people."

Former teacher Mark, has volunteered with the L2P Program for 15 years and has also helped around 15 learners gain their licence, with each passing their driving test on the first attempt.

Mark understands the barriers many young people face in completing the required 120 hours of supervised driving.

"It's about giving young people the chance," he said.

Mark believes mentoring is about giving young people the opportunity to succeed. Along the way, he hopes to build confidence, provide guidance and be a positive role model.

Harry has also spent 15 years with the Ballarat L2P Program and has mentored between 20 and 30 learners. A former secondary school teacher, he enjoys staying connected with young people through volunteering.

One family has remained part of Harry's L2P journey for eight years, with him mentoring all four siblings as they worked towards getting their licences. He has also kept in touch with many of the young people he has supported over the years.

Lorraine, Michael, Harry and Mark have each made an extraordinary contribution to the L2P Program and to the many young people they have supported over the years.

The Ballarat Foundation thanks them for their outstanding service and congratulates them on reaching these significant milestones.

Become an L2P Mentor

Our volunteer mentors help young people gain the supervised driving experience they need to achieve their licence. If you'd like to make a difference in a young person's life, we'd love to hear from you.

Find out more about becoming an L2P mentor.

Below: A big thank you to Mark Tonzing, Lorraine Yeomans, Michael Dittloff and Harry Gibcus.