McGovern Foundation

About the McGovern Foundation

The McGovern Foundation is a Western Australian not-for-profit organisation tackling inequities and barriers preventing disadvantaged people from obtaining their driver’s licence.

Established by father-son duo Andrew and Jeremy McGovern, the McGovern Foundation began following Andrew’s two decades working in remote Aboriginal communities. During this time, he recognised a critical issue preventing students leaving high school from securing employment: they didn’t have a driver’s licence.

In response, Andrew and Jeremy launched the McGovern Foundation and developed the Wanderer Program, offering practical support to individuals who may not have the resources to obtain a licence and helping them on the road to opportunity and independence.

The Wanderer Program

The Wanderer Program pairs participants with experienced driver mentors, who provide guidance and resources to ensure they can complete the required 50 hours of supervised driving.

Mentors support participants through every stage of the process, establishing strong, supportive relationships addressing not only driving challenges but difficulties encountered in everyday life.

Servicing the Perth metropolitan area – plus regional locations including Katanning, Narrogin, Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie, Kambalda and Albany – the program’s participants are diverse but its purpose remains clear.

“The Wanderer Program provides an invaluable service to those most in need, helping them gain mobility and build the confidence and capability to gain and maintain employment,” Andrew said.

“Our participants come to us from a diverse range of backgrounds – we've got 16-year-olds right through to 70-year-olds needing our services.

“Ultimately, we’d love to achieve the ability to have mobile, employable, young Australians who have a driver’s licence have the confidence to go on and gain employment and maintain their employment.”

MinRes' partnership

In July 2021, Mineral Resources (MinRes) proudly teamed up with the McGovern Foundation as founding partner of the Wanderer Program. Our contribution provides essential funding and resources enabling the program to deliver lasting impact for its participants.

MinRes Chief Executive Lithium and partnership sponsor Josh Thurlow reflected on the company’s journey with the McGovern Foundation.

“We’re proud to have supported the Foundation from the beginning,” Josh said

“Since coming on board in 2021, we’ve seen the huge growth of the Wanderer Program and its significant impact.”

The program and its dedicated staff do more than help participants obtain their licence -they empower individuals to gain employment, support their families and transform their lives.”

Learn more about the McGovern Foundation.