When Syrian refugee Basel Kankoun arrived in Australia aged 30, he had never driven a car. Nor had he dreamed that he would one day own one.
But the members of his Ballina Community Supporter Group (BRRAWN) knew how much easier life would be for the family if they had their own car – especially for getting to and from work.
Andrew Brisbane, from Get Smart Driver Training, agreed to give Basel free lessons, and 10 months after he and his family made Ballina their home, he had his P plates. A seven-seat car in excellent condition also became available at just the right time.
Basel is now able to get to his part-time job at Cumbalum, about six kilometres outside Ballina, and is looking for more work. Basel is an outdoor worker on farms and gardens. He can operate a zero-turn ride-on mower. Basel’s English is limited and it helps if he is given clear instructions.
If anyone can offer Basel work, contact Lisa Dillon on 0402 244 866.
