There can be lots of barriers indigenous teens face when trying to get their provisional driver's licence. The Artie Academy Program is looking to change that.
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00:00While it might look like an episode of Top Gear.
00:06When you increase your speed, that stopping distance is increased by 40 metres.
00:11It's actually an exercise in brake safety for Indigenous mentors.
00:16This program is all about helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students get their
00:21driver's licence through the Arty Academy.
00:23The Arty Academy, named after rugby league immortal Arthur Beetson, is a program that
00:28helps Indigenous teens to get their provisional licence.
00:33But first, the mentors must become the students.
00:37This is quite fast.
00:44That is a very good stop, and you know why, because you reacted quickly.
00:48Among them is Junior, who went through the Arty program himself.
00:52We didn't have a car at home.
00:54So the financial situation with, you know, how much everything costs, your lessons, then
01:00adding up to your P's, it does add up, and that was definitely a barrier.
01:05Also in the front seat, former Origin player Matt Gillette, who swapped the footy field
01:10for the steering wheel.
01:12It's now very, very strong, and we're building quite quickly, so it's a good problem to have.
01:18The program has assisted more than 200 Indigenous students in obtaining their provisional licence,
01:23and the Arty Academy says it not only helps young people with more opportunities, but
01:27also steers them in the right direction.
01:30It's been really good to see our team want to make an effort to help our mob with getting
01:35their licence.
01:36It's one less thing that they have to worry about when they finish school.
01:39Being that inspiration that they need is rewarding seeing them come through, and being that person
01:45is for myself rewarding as well.
01:47Driving connection through culture.