21/05/2026
**Neil Behind the Wheel**
2026 has been named ‘The Year to Volunteer’. With this in mind, it’s time for us to shout out one of the most dedicated, and reliable volunteers in the Southern Grampians Shire – Mr. Neil Sandford.
At 83 years of age, Neil has already put in an unbelievable 930 hours for the Southern Grampians TAC L2P program. This is a program that matches eligible young learner drivers with a fully licenced mentor in a sponsored vehicle to help complete the mandatory 120 hours of driving practice required to obtain their P plates.
Across nine years in the role, Neil has brought his signature patience, humour and contagious sense of peace and calm to help dozens of young people pass their tests. Neil is an enormous advocate to the program and is always more than happy to chat with potential volunteers.
“My favourite part of the program,” said Neil, “is seeing the big smile on their face when they finally get that licence. I often walk down the street on a Saturday morning and hear a car beeping, and I’ll see a big smile and waving hand out the window and I’ll know it’s a past participant!”
With years of experience, Neil is one of the favourite mentors in the program and it’s easy to see why.
“It’s greatly satisfying when the young person begins to relax, and you can really enjoy a good joke and laugh together,” he said.
When he’s not helping the next generation of drivers, Neil commits his time to many other programs such as the Hamilton Lions Club, who dedicate their time to community service and fundraising for special causes.
Something that marks Neil as a truly special volunteer is his enthusiastic participation in youth Mental Health First Aid training. This training equips adults who support youth with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem.
We are grateful to Neil for having learnt these skills and being prepared to apply them while working with the young people of the Southern Grampians Shire.
Fittingly, Neil was honoured with a Southern Grampians Shire Council Community Recognition Award at this years’ Australia Day celebrations. This award acknowledged his extraordinary capacity for volunteerism, his selflessness and his generosity of spirit.
Anyone who has met Neil can attest that he is not one for glory. He is a man who believes in his community and the power of helping one another.
Southern Grampians Shire Council L2P Coordinator Mel Russell summed up his contribution perfectly, simply saying:
“I wish I had ten Neils, but he’s one of a kind.”
