Seth’s self-determination sees him soar

Christmas has come early for Seth, 20, from Holbrook near Albury, who went from Ls to Ps this week with On-Country Pathways’ Driver-Mentor Program. Congratulations mate!

Our partner Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) referred Seth to us for support with employment opportunities. We co-ordinated some work experience with local legends Jones Doyle Commercial Plumbers and helped Seth get his Ls.

Not having a licence is one of the biggest barriers to employment for First Nations youth in regional areas.

Living 45 minutes out of town has made Seth’s journey towards independence a very important one as buses are infrequent from his home.

The young man spent five months getting himself into town on public transport, several times a week, having his two-hour supervised driving session with one of our wonderful driver-mentors, then relying on family to make the expensive round trip to collect him as there is no return bus.

Seth said: “I had to go through a lot to get my licence but the help from On-Country Pathways and MAC made it a lot easier. I didn’t feel like I was going through it all alone.”

And Seth had high praise for our driver-mentors Chloe and Curtis: “They are good as, really helpful and patient. They show you how to do everything, they are trained, and they know about the laws. My driving sessions were very calm.”

Seth was also able to boost his hours by completing a Safer Driver Course with our partner PCYC Albury.

He says other First Nations people in the Albury Wodonga region should find out how On-Country Pathways can support them, adding:

“There is nothing stopping you but yourself. Don’t care about anyone else’s opinion, put yourself first, just keep on going and having a crack. Everyone deserves a chance at change.”

On-Country Pathways’ Program Manager, Darren Moffit, said: “Seth didn’t pass first time and had to retake his Hazard Perception Test, but he kept going.

“It’s a real testament to Seth’s resilience and self-determination and an example of what can be achieved with the right level of support.”

Now Seth is undertaking some construction industry training with our partner Asuria and looking forward to getting a job as an electrician or a plumber and saving for a car of his own in 2024.