Jake on track for brighter future

Jake Drage yesterday reflected on his return to a “normal life” at home after 10 months in jail in Indonesia following a fatal motorbike accident.

“When I came home, it took me a while to get used to being able to do what I wanted,” the 24-year-old said.

“I spent the first couple of days inside the house and then someone suggested I go for a walk to the shop.

"It took me a bit to think I was allowed to do that again.”

Mr Drage was overwhelmed by the response from people in Geraldton and said he had received many messages and offers of support.

Just this week, a local business offered a helping hand when he went to take truck-driving lessons. Keen Bros. Driver Training offered to help the former personal trainer and construction worker to obtain a HR truck licence, which Mr Drage said would improve his employment options in the construction or mining industries.

“It feels good to have the support of the community,” Mr Drage said.

“The instructors are really nice to drive with and I already feel more confident about driving a truck.”

Cali Calitz is the general manager of Keen Bros. Driver Training and Oakajee Jobs and Training.

He has offered to assist Mr Drage get his HR licence and provide high-risk training for free to help him “get back on his feet”.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy for Jake, because he’s been out of work for a long time,” Mr Calitz said.

“There’s so many people looking for work and without any training, it’s virtually impossible to get a job.”

Mr Drage was taken into custody by Indonesian authorities on June 30 last year.

The motorcycle he was riding was involved in an accident with another motorcycle.

A woman who was riding pillion on the other bike was killed.