New Bendigo residents arriving from overseas will receive free road safety education and professional driving lessons as part of an Andrews Labor Government program to ensure they’re confident on Victorian roads.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said about 30 Bendigo locals will take part in the Victorian Government and Bendigo Community Health Services program to learn about road rules, pedestrian and cyclist safety and driver behaviour.

“Bendigo has a vibrant multicultural community, and this program makes sure staying safe on our roads is within reach for some of our newest locals," Ms Edwards said.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn about safety and feel confident on our roads – this program ensures all road users regardless of their path can head out on the roads safely.”

The program supports newly arrived migrants and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds aged over 21 years to increase their road safety knowledge, awareness and skills as part of the $1.5 million Community Road Safety Grants Program.

Across the state, almost 600 new arrivals will take part in the program this financial year.

To boost safety skills and knowledge participants who hold a licence can access up to two paid professional driving lessons with a driving instructor.

This all supports the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.

For more information visit the VicRoads website Community Road Safety Grants.