Father-and-son Andrew and Jeremy McGovern started the McGovern Foundation in 2021 with a vision to address the widespread inequity and challenges for disadvantaged people to obtain and maintain their driver’s licence.
The organisation's popular Wanderer Program helps address barriers facing Western Australians, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, seeking the freedom and independence that comes from getting behind the wheel.
Barriers include limited access to a vehicle and challenges paying for driving lessons, which can make it almost impossible to complete the 50 supervised driving hours needed to obtain a provisional licence.
In September 2021, the Wanderer Program's first P plate was achieved and today - less than four years later - its 500th participant has achieved this goal.
As the program's Foundation Partner, MinRes is proud to have committed $1.2 million to the cause and delighted to see a member of its workforce participate in the initiative.
MinRes Dump Truck Operator and Water Cart Operator Ursula Lyndon obtained her driver's licence through the Wanderer Program.
“I got my manual driver’s licence through McGovern Foundation after trying for about a year with other companies,” Ursula said.
“The McGovern Foundation made me feel comfortable and confident, and after just three driving lessons with them I sat my test and passed."
Ursula said her brothers, sisters and even her mum had gained their driver's licence through McGovern Foundation.
"It’s changed our lives to be able to help each other out, have more freedom and share the load with my nieces and nephews,” she added.
“My mum thought at 50 years old it was too late for her to get her licence but McGovern encouraged her and helped her, it doesn’t matter how old you are.”
Common issues people face when they don’t have their driver’s licence include social isolation, unemployment and limited access to education and health services.
More than 80% of Wanderer Program participants have secured employment after completing the program and attaining their driver’s licence.
McGovern Foundation founder Andrew McGovern was Ursula’s driving instructor and said each one of the 500 participants represents someone who faced barriers but refused to let those obstacles 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," Andrew said.
"This milestone validates our belief that when you give people the right support and mentorship, they can overcome any challenge."
Andrew said watching the Wanderer Program grow from a simple idea to its success today was both humbling and inspiring.
"The growth tells us we're addressing a real need in our communities and that our approach of combining practical support with genuine mentorship works," he added.
"The partnership with MinRes has been transformative for our organisation, enabling us to create direct pathways from getting a license to securing meaningful employment in the mining sector.”
MinRes Chief Executive Lithium and partnership sponsor Josh Thurlow said MinRes is proud to see the McGovern Foundation and Wanderer Program grow.
“Congratulations to the McGovern team on reaching this major milestone. We believe in their vision and are proud to have supported them since the beginning,” Josh said.
“We're thrilled to see hardworking people like Ursula gain job opportunities now that getting their driver’s licence is no longer a barrier.”
The Wanderer Program operates in Perth, Katanning, Kalgoorlie Boulder, Narrogin and Albany. More than 500 people are currently on a program's waitlist, highlighting its popularity and importance.
MinRes is commitment to working alongside and empowering not-for-profit organisations and industry peers operating in local communities.
