Ten years ago, the then Bello Youth Hub Coordinator Dean Besley responded to a young man’s plea for a driving supervisor.
“He just had no one to teach him, so I asked a local dad to take him out,” Dean recalls.
Dean says that’s all it took to get the wheels turning on the Two Way Street initiative- a grassroots volunteer initiative helping local young people earn their driver’s licenses.
What began as a simple act of neighbourly kindness has since grown into a vital community movement that was powered up by a team of like-minded community members—Paul Tipper, Margot Pleasant, Gordon Jacob, Linda Dalton and Dean—and Two Way Street was born.
“I just needed someone to take me out for a few drives,” says 17-year-old Elijah. “Just someone to help me get my hours up so I can start driving on my own.”
Since its inception, more than 120 young people have clocked up their hours through the program. That’s thousands of volunteer hours spent in the passenger seat and time gifted to the next generation. The cars themselves have also been donated, lovingly maintained by the community. Insurance, upkeep, repairs—all covered through goodwill, not grants.
“It’s so rewarding,” says Maggie, a Bellingen local who’s been supervising for years. “You see them light up with confidence. Suddenly they’ve got freedom.”
“Today, the need is greater than ever. Young people are currently waiting up to two years to be paired with a driving supervisor. For some, that delay means missing out on jobs, TAFE, or simply being able to help their family,” Michael Mooney, the current Youth HUB coordinator said.
The Bello Youth Hub is now calling for five more volunteers to join in on Drive the Future- a joint effort between the Bello Youth Hub, ShoreTrack, Uniting, and Transport for NSW- to meet the local demand.
“Volunteers don’t need formal qualifications—just a full licence and a willingness to give a few hours a week. Training is provided, and mentors are paired with local learners.”
“Everything about the program—past, present and future—is powered by community: the cars are gifted, the time is donated, the spirit is unstoppable. In an era of red tape and waiting lists, Two Way Street and Drive the Future offer something beautifully rare: practical support born of genuine care.”
“And it’s not just a one-way gift. It’s called Two Way Street for a reason. The young people get skills and freedom—but the volunteers? They get purpose. Connection. A sense that they’re doing something real.”
Want to change a life? Start with an hour, a drive, a conversation. The road is waiting. To sign up or find out more, visit: https://belloyouthhub.net/drive-the-future