$10 a week can change a life

A Moreton Bay program that has helped over 50 disadvantaged and disabled people get their driver's licence in just two years is calling on the community to help ensure it can continue changing lives.

Tribe Social Belonging is aiming to build a crew of 200 local sponsors to help keep its Tribe Drive program running, but so far only 17 people have signed up.

The program receives no government funding and relies on community support, volunteers and partnerships to continue helping people overcome one of the biggest barriers to employment and independence: getting a driver's licence.

Tribe Social Belonging Founder and CEO Ryan Elson said many participants miss out on getting their licence because they lack access to a vehicle, driving lessons or family support.

"There's way too many people out there that can't get their licence through no fault of their own. They don't have the finances to pay for lessons, they don't have a car or they don't have a parent that can assist them."

Tribe Drive was created to remove those barriers by providing affordable driving lessons with qualified instructors, access to vehicles and volunteer mentors who help learners complete the hours required before sitting their driving test.

More than a licence

While the practical goal is helping participants get their licence, Ryan said the program often delivers benefits that extend far beyond driving.

Many participants build relationships with volunteers and are exposed to opportunities and experiences they may not otherwise encounter.

For Ryan, some of the most important lessons happen outside the learner logbook.

"I have a saying that it's hard to be a good man if you've never met one."

The program relies heavily on volunteers who donate their time to help participants complete supervised driving hours, with Tribe providing the vehicles and fuel.

One of the program's success stories is Jake, who joined Tribe Drive after struggling to complete the driving hours needed to get his licence.

After earning his licence, Jake achieved the first perfect driving test score recorded through the program and is now pursuing employment opportunities that may not otherwise have been available.

Ryan said Jake's achievement was a reminder of what can happen when young people are given the right support.

"He did the work. He did the job. We just supported him."

To date, Tribe Drive has helped 48 people gain their licence, with another participant currently working towards becoming number 49.

Community support needed

To help keep the program running, Tribe Social Belonging has launched the Tribe Drive Crew, encouraging locals to contribute $10 a week.

The sponsorships are fully tax deductible and Tribe says every dollar goes directly back into the program.

"Every dollar keeps the wheels turning. No admin fees," the Tribe Drive Crew campaign states.

Funds help cover fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance, registration and the resources needed to keep learners on the road.

The program recently received a welcome boost through a $75,000 grant from ETC's Community Support Fund, helping strengthen Tribe Drive's vehicle fleet and ongoing operations. Ryan said support from community partners remained critical because the organisation receives no government funding.

With only 17 of the target 200 members currently signed up, Tribe Social Belonging is hoping more locals will get behind the initiative and help ensure the program can continue creating opportunities for those who need them most.

Ryan hopes the community will see the value in helping someone gain the freedom that comes with a driver's licence.

"Ten dollars a week out of your pay straight from your bank account, you won't even miss it. What that'll do is give us a chance to give these kids an opportunity to get their licence."

Locals wanting to support the initiative can learn more or join the Tribe Drive Crew at tribedrivecrew.lovable.app