From Robinvale to the Road: Tina’s Learner Permit Milestone

For Tina (Susitina), a Parent Pathways participant living in Robinvale, the idea of holding a driver’s licence once felt out of reach. A mother of six who relocated from Perth, Tina now lives in a regional community where essential services and supplies are limited, and the closest major town, Mildura is over an hour away.

When Parent Pathways Mentor Reney Hutchins first met Tina in December 2024, Tina shared a goal she had never been able to achieve getting her licence. At the time, Tina didn’t even hold a learner permit. But that quickly changed.

In January, during a follow-up visit, Tina sat and passed her learner’s test online through her VicRoads account. The moment was unforgettable—Tina squealed and jumped with excitement, overjoyed at reaching a milestone that would open up new independence and opportunity for her and her family.

In June 2025, despite recent illness and life’s daily challenges, Tina was determined to take the next step. Reney drove from Mildura to Robinvale to pick up Tina and two of her children, returning with them to Mildura to finalise her learner’s permit. It was a big moment, not only had Tina never held a licence, but she had also never had any official photo ID. That day, she walked away with both.

With support from Parent Pathways and sheer determination, Tina is proving that even the biggest goals are possible with the right support and belief.

Parent Pathways empowers parents and carers to plan and achieve their family’s future goals through a personalised, flexible program that always puts parenting first.

Key features include:

• Connection with a dedicated mentor
• Personalised goal setting
• Flexible, realistic pathway planning

Children are always welcome, and the program is designed to be accessible and respectful of individual circumstances.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Parent Pathways, reach out to are-able today. Let’s work together to empower parents and create new opportunities!