A new bike restoration program is aiming to steer young offenders onto the right path.
As part of the 12-week Fix the Cycle, unwanted bikes of all sizes and colours donated at Melton, Keilor Downs and Caroline Springs police stations are being refurbished by young offenders aged 18-25 under the guidance of bike mechanics.
The bikes will be presented to disadvantaged Sunshine youth at Christmas.
Young offender ‘Shane’ said the workshops, which began late last month, had already taught him valuable skills.
“When I started attending the Fix the Cycle program, I wasn’t sure I would be able to do the work because I have never done anything like this before, but since day one I’ve actually enjoyed attending each week.
“The guys who run the program are always there to help me and everyone is able to work together to get the work done,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m learning new skills every day. It feels really good to do something meaningful and help out others.” Almost 50 bicycles have been collected so far. Caroline Springs police will accept more bikes on November 16 between 10am and 4pm. Program manager Stephen Cadman said the police and Department of Justice initiative allowed youngsters on parole or court orders to perform community service and work towards future employment.
Fix the Cycle builds on the success of this year’s award-winning Green Wheels for Justice project, a partnership between the Department of Justice and Brimbank council through which 100 bikes were refurbished and donated to refugees.
