By Kath Gannaway
The wanton destruction of one of Yarra Ranges Council’s L2P driver education cars has been met with disbelief and dismay by Cr Jim Child, a former L2P mentor.
Cr Child posted on Twitter on Tuesday 21 February that the vehicle had been stolen and torched and made a plea to anyone who knew anything about the incident to phone Crime Stoppers immediately.
The car was stolen from a secured cage at the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction and found burnt-out near the summit of Mount Donna Buang on Saturday afternoon 18 February.
It is believed to have been stolen sometime between 1pm on Friday and the Saturday afternoon.
The L2P program is a community-based volunteer program which assists learner drivers who are facing significant barriers in gaining the 120 hours required to apply for a probationary licence.
The learners are matched with mentors who enable them to get the driving practice they need.
“We do this for those kids who can’t get that 120 hours and this is just unfathomable waste and destruction.
“The mentors will be devastated,” Cr Child said.
Yarra Ranges mayor Noel Cliff said the loss of the vehicle would have an impact on between 10 and 15 learners, including new learners who have applied to join the program.
He said the theft left the program with one vehicle to service the whole of the shire.
“Our aim is to serve disadvantaged people in Yarra Ranges and this program isn’t fully funded,” he said.
“We rely on sponsors, community organisations and businesses to fill the gap.
“We also rely on volunteer mentors to come forward and offer up their time to spend the house on the road with the learner drivers.”
Anyone who has information, or who saw the branded L2P Nissan hatchback being driven in the Upper Yarra area, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
