Australian of the Year

Gavin ‘Bear’ Hynam is helping young people gain independence and mobility through his Cars 4 Youth gifting program and mentorship of learner drivers. 

He donates his time and automotive skills to sourcing second-hand cars, making them roadworthy and then giving them to young people in need of support and transportation.  

Gavin also volunteers with Victoria’s L2P program that matches mentors with young people without a car or supervising driver, to help them practise driving skills and support them to become confident and safe drivers. Once the learners have gained their licence, Gavin gives them their first car along with six months’ registration. 

As a result of Gavin’s generosity and community spirit, many young recipients in the Wimmera region are now able to go to university, apply for jobs or support their families by having a safe, reliable car.