PCYC and Clontarf Academy gifted car by local dealership

Northam PCYC and the Northam Clontarf Academy were presented the car on Wednesday, by Avon Valley Toyota Dealer Principal Leonie Knipe. 

Ms Knipe said the idea all started from her involvement at the local high school.

“I was part of a drive program at the Senior High School and I saw that the vehicle the Clontarf kids were using to learn how to drive in, wasn’t great,” she said.

“I knew that they needed a decent vehicle and I’ve previously spoken to the PCYC about their need of a car to teach their kids to learn to drive, so bells went off and I thought why can’t they share a vehicle.”

PCYC Centre Manager Jane Atterby said access to the car will boost the driving hours of the children who use PCYC’s services.

“It’s fantastic,” Ms Atterby said.

“A lot of our kids don’t have access to a licensed car or a licensed supervisor.

“And to have our name on it is very cool.”

Northam Clontarf Academy Director Matthew Stokes brought three of the Clontarf students down to Avon Valley Toyota to join in on the presentation. 

He said the car will allow the boys involved in the program to gain employability in the future.

“The main thing is getting them ready for when they leave school and a license is a big part of that living in the bush,” he said.

“This will no doubt no only our boys but the PCYC kids.

“I think it’s a wonderful initiative from Avon Valley Toyota.”

Although they were of very little words, Clontarf students Kaije Slater, Lachlan Kicket and Tristan Jones took turns sitting in the drivers seat of the car. 

Tristan has completed his driving hours and is awaiting a test to get his license, while Kaije and Lachlan are yet to begin their driving journey.

Ms Knipe said by having drivers licenses, the youth can give back to the Northam community.

 “Once you’ve got your drivers license you’re a lot more employable and we all benefit from having kids that we can give jobs to,” she said.