Driving opportunity for women in remote Queensland

Anyone who's spent time in outback Queensland knows there's one thing you can't escape: the sheer distance between places.

And for women living in regional and rural areas, owning a car can be a powerful equaliser—opening more doors to work and education, enabling them to support their families and take part fully in community life.

That's why the Drive Smart, Drive Secure program is taking practical vehicle ownership and financial literacy workshops directly to women across outback Queensland.

The workshops will help women better understand the financial realities of vehicle ownership, covering topics such as budgeting, vehicle finance, maintenance planning and managing ongoing running costs.

Funded through an Empowering Queensland Women grant, the initiative will see Girls Torque, The Australian Women's Motoring Network, deliver six face-to-face workshops in Charters Towers, Richmond, Hughenden, Cloncurry, Croydon and Georgetown.

Girls Torque Deputy President, Lara Wilde said the program responds to growing demand from women in regional and remote communities seeking practical information to support confident financial decision-making.

“Previous workshops attracted women aged from 15 to 85 who wanted to feel better informed and more confident about their car finances,” says Lara.

“Whether they were professional drivers or getting behind the wheel for the first time, participants told us they valued having practical information that helped them make better financial decisions.”

One Rockhampton workshop participant shared how it helped her navigate buying a vehicle when her work responsibilities had changed:

“My work role has changed, and I need a new vehicle that is economical and suitable for transporting NDIS clients. Through this workshop I have budgeting tools and a clear list of items to look for to upgrade my car in a practical and affordable way.”

Driving the workshops further

Girls Torque launched its Drive Smart, Drive Secure workshops in 2025 and since then, demand for the program has grown significantly across regional areas.

“When the first round of workshops was announced, we were overwhelmed by the interest from women in the Outback who wanted to attend but couldn't get to workshops on the coast,” says Lara.

“We're grateful for the opportunity to use a second round* of funding to deliver workshops to communities that are often overlooked, but where having a car is essential for accessing work, education and health services.”

By taking the workshops directly to remote communities, the program is ensuring more women have access to information and support that can have a real impact on their daily lives.

Building confidence behind the wheel and beyond

Understanding the financial commitments that come with owning and maintaining a vehicle can be just as important as learning to drive.

The workshops aim to reduce financial stress and build confidence by providing practical tools and knowledge that participants can apply immediately. From budgeting for unexpected repairs to understanding finance options, the sessions are focused on helping women feel more prepared and in control.

Importantly, the benefits extend well beyond vehicle ownership.

“For many women, a car is their ticket to employment, a social life, good health and learning,” says Lara.

“By supporting them to make informed decisions about their car and their finances, we support them to live full and connected lives and stay in the regional communities they call home.”

Empowering women, strengthening communities

Since its launch, the program has helped 44 women and girls across six towns gain the knowledge and skills needed for vehicle maintenance, make informed financial decisions and unlock greater access to opportunities.

These new skills will have lasting benefits for themselves, their families and their communities.

More information

This is one of many initiatives funded through the Queensland Government's Empowering Queensland Women grants program, helping women and girls across the state build skills, confidence, and economic security.

Find out more

* The Empowering Queensland Women Grants program does not provide recurrent funding. This initiative was awarded a second grant after substantially broadening its reach into new regions to meet growing community demand