Maddy
Maddy was referred to the McGovern Foundation by her caseworker and completed approximately 12 supervised driving hours with a Mentor Driver.
Starting the Wanderer Program with a completed logbook and HPT under her belt, Maddy had good driving foundations, but lacked confidence as a self-described anxious driver and negative self-talk.
Maddy’s story is one of determination and resilience, having experienced multiple adversities in her life and most recently, the passing of her only caregiver, her mother. The death of Maddy’s mother derailed the great progress Maddy had made but once again she has overcome those challenges.
Maddy has aspirations of purchasing her own place one day, and helping others that have faced similar barriers.
“When walking back into the centre after her PDA, Maddy had her head down, convinced that she hadn’t passed. The assessor asked Maddy what she felt she had done wrong, and agreed she had made some mistakes but that she was clearly overthinking. When he told her ‘Congratulations, today you’ve passed’ she burst into tears and sobbed, so relieved and happy to have passed and profusely thanking the McGovern Foundation for all their help” Astrid – McGovern Foundation Driver Mentor.
Naomi
Naomi held her Learner’s Permit for 10 years before joining the Wanderer Program. Life hadn’t been easy for her, as she faced challenges in her younger years that kept her from getting her license.
With determination and the support of the Wanderer Program, Naomi worked hard to complete her lessons and passed her first Practical Driving Assessment with a perfect 100% score. She is now actively looking for a job and is grateful to the McGovern Foundation for helping her achieve this life-changing milestone.
Naomi’s story is a powerful example of resilience and the opportunities that come from having a driver’s licence.
Noelene
Noelene held her Learner’s Permit for nearly three years before joining the Wanderer Program. After completing 28 hours of supervised driving, she passed her Practical Driving Assessment in 2025.
Having suffered from epilepsy for a long time, Noelene’s journey to getting her licence was not easy. Finally receiving her medical clearance to drive was a major milestone, and now she has the freedom and independence that comes with being a licenced driver.
Noelene’s story shows the power of perseverance and support in overcoming challenges.
Verna
Verna lives with her mother, sister, and three children. Balancing family commitments, she completed 24 hours of supervised driving with the Wanderer Program and passed her first Practical Driving Assessment in 2025.
While she is currently focused on caring for her children, having her licence will make it easier for her to seek employment in the future as her children grow older.
Verna’s achievement is a step toward greater independence and future opportunities.
Tahlia
Tahlia held her Learner’s Permit for seven years before starting lessons with the Wanderer Program. As a stay-at-home mum of two children with additional needs, life was busy and challenging, making it hard for her to focus on driving lessons.
With the help of the Wanderer Program, Tahlia completed 15 hours of supervised driving and passed her first Practical Driving Assessment in 2024. Now, she has her license and no longer needs to drive illegally to transport her children.
Tahlia’s determination and the support she received have made a real difference for her and her family.
Darrien
Darrien lives with his grandma after his mother passed away when he was 15 years old.
Darrien suffers from extreme anxiety and depression. He held his learner’s permit for 6 years before starting lessons with The Wanderer Program. Darrien completed 50 hours of supervised driving and mentoring with us and passed his PDA in
January 2022.
Darrien is now working full time at Skill Hire and is saving to buy a car.
Gavin
Gavin Ryder contacted us in May 2022 with the excitement of maybe obtaining his driver’s licence with the Wanderer Program. Gavin loves his footy and is an avid Eagles fan who knows every player with Jeremy being one of his favourites so he and I hit it off from the start.
Gavin was incarcerated for 19 years, now 39, so 2 two thirds of his life behind bars. During our time in the car Gavin opened up about how much of an impact having his manual driver’s licence would change his life for the better and that this was the first step to a brighter future.
His nerves would often get the better of him in the latter stage of his driving as the reality of going for his licence for the first time started to hit home. Gavin overcame his nerves and passed with flying colours.
Gavin plans to start some work, labouring and then once settled look to possibly working in the mining industry.
Mavis
Mavis is one of our most motivated participants who completed her logbook hours in 6 months, which was amazing, she also tested our staff with many questions.
Mavis’s Dad was very ill, and he drove her to everyday to work at 9pm and picked her up at 4am. Mavis was so happy when she passed her driving test so she could help her family by taking her sisters to sports, just to give her Dad a rest.
Once Mavis gained her driver’s licence, she mentioned that she was looking for work. With our amazing partnership with Mineral Resources (MinRes) we were able to assist Mavis in applying for a job. She has now been with MinRes for 3 years and secured a traineeship.
Mavis now has 4 siblings, 2 cousins and her mum doing driving lessons with us. Mavis has also since obtained her manual licence thropugh the Wanderer Program.
Phyllis
Phyllis has never held a driver’s licence as she never had anyone to help her learn to drive or the financial means to pay for lessons. Once the Wanderer program commenced in Kalgoorlie, she was quick to register and start lessons. After completing 31 hours of lessons, she sat her Practical Driving Assessment and passed.
Phyllis was over the moon to finally have her driver’s licence and it was even more important as she has just been given custody of her 8 year old grandson, and having a licence will help get him to school and extra-curricular activities.
Ryan
Ryan Exell tried and failed to get his driver’s licence twice before starting with the Wanderer Program and Andrew McGovern became his mentor.
Exell, a blast crew worker with Rio Tinto, is now the proud owner of a Ford XR6.
“It is not just about getting the licence, it has helped with my career wise and even with my footy and getting advice on life in general,” Exell said. “To be able to drive to footy at the weekends. My parents never had their licences, so it was very bad transport wise. Now I can play sports and work.”
“’Gov’ (Andrew) put me on the right track. Driving was so much easier when he was teaching, I gained a lot of confidence from him.”
