MinRes drives positive change with the Wanderer program
A free driver mentor program backed by Mineral Resources (MinRes) has helped 500 people obtain their provisional licences in Western Australia.
In 2021, MinRes partnered with the McGovern Foundation to create the Wanderer program, a free driver mentor program helping Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other disadvantaged youth in WA obtain their driver’s licence.
Such disadvantages include limited access to a vehicle and challenges paying for driving lessons, which can make it difficult to complete the 50 supervised driving hours needed to obtain a provisional licence.
Since its foundation, graduates from the Wanderer program have unlocked employment opportunities, supported family members and realised their long-term goals, while having a positive impact on the wider communities in Perth, Katanning, Kalgoorlie Boulder, Narrogin and Albany.
Now, the program has seen its 500th participant achieve their provisional licence.
“Congratulations to the McGovern team on reaching this major milestone,” MinRes chief executive officer lithium and partnership sponsor Josh Thurlow said.
“We believe in their vision and are proud to have supported them since the beginning.”
As the Wanderer program’s foundational partner, MinRes has committed $1.2 million to the initiative and is proud to see a member from its workforce participate in the program.
“I got my manual driver’s licence through McGovern Foundation after trying for about a year with other companies,” MinRes dump truck and water cart operator Ursula Lyndon said.
“The McGovern Foundation made me feel comfortable and confident, and after just three driving lessons with them I sat my test and passed.”
McGovern Foundation founder Andrew McGovern was Lyndon’s driving instructor and said every participant represents someone who faced barriers but refused to let them define their future.
“Reaching 500 participants isn’t just a number – it represents 500 lives transformed, 500 families impacted, and 500 new opportunities created in our communities,” McGovern said.
“This milestone validates our belief that when you give people the right support and mentorship, they can overcome any challenge.”