RACQ partnership with ARTIE Academy shifts into new gear
Queensland’s peak motoring body, RACQ, has extended its commitment to the Former Origin Greats’ (FOGS) ARTIE Driver Licensing Program after helping 281 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students gain their provisional licence over the past five years.
The partnership has been extended for a further three years with funding for the program also doubling to $360,000.
The announcement came as RACQ provided a vehicle to Bray Park State High School – the 10th school in Queensland to benefit from the partnership.
The program provides students with access to a safe and reliable vehicle to complete their mandatory 100 hours of driver training, opening more opportunities for future education and employment.
RACQ General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the Club is committed to helping remove barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to obtain their licences.
“We are very proud to provide a vehicle to Bray Park State High School as we announce the three-year extension of our partnership with the ARTIE Academy,” Mr Cooney said.
“This vehicle is critical because it will give students the opportunity to clock up their 100 mandatory hours on their way to a provisional licence – an opportunity many do not have at home.
“Inclusive mobility and road safety form a huge part of the work we do at RACQ, so to continue this legacy with ARTIE is an important milestone.”
FOGS CEO Cameron Webb said the program had seen remarkable outcomes as a result of its long-term partnership with RACQ.
“In 2024 alone, we drove 867 hours helping 72 students to obtain their provisional licence and 79 students gain their learners licence,” Mr Webb said.
“The ARTIE Drivers Licensing Program has also had a direct impact on school attendance with a 20% increase by senior students across the participating schools.
“These achievements play a vital role in helping students succeed and secure employment opportunities after finishing school.”
Bray Park State High School Principal Peter Turner welcomed the initiative to improve educational outcomes for senior students.
“Having access to a reliable vehicle and dedicated mentors allows our students to not only meet their driving requirements but also build confidence and independence,” Mr Turner said.
“The partnership between RACQ, FOGS, and schools like ours is making a real difference, helping our young people achieve their goals and access greater opportunities as they move into adulthood.”
Bray Park State High School Captain Ngaire Monaei said she hopes to secure her licence through the program.
“I’m really excited to have the ARTIE car here at Bray Park, it’s going to open up a lot of opportunities, not just for me, but for all the other Indigenous kids at school,” Miss Monaei said.
“I’m hoping to get my licence in about a month and I’m definitely going to use the car to get my last 20 hours.”
Through the partnership, RACQ also covers the cost of insurance, registration and servicing for the vehicles across 10 Queensland schools.
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