Bike program needs new volunteers

Broome’s new school holiday program, which involves teaching youths to repair bikes and connecting them with mentors, is looking for volunteers.

Broome CIRCLE started running the program earlier this year in tandem with Men’s Outreach Service’s “Lifecycle” program, West Kimberley Youth Justice Services and other youth and community service organisations.

Broome Bike Club will operate again in the next school holiday break from Tuesday, October 2, to Thursday, October 11.

Broome CIRCLE community development officer Melanie Howard said the first program was held in July with five young people completing the program.

Volunteers have helped provide healthy and nutritious lunches, guidance in stripping and assembling participants’ bikes, and simply lending a hand.

Ms Howard said the volunteers had enjoyed sharing their skills and being able to give back to the community.

“One volunteer described the experience as, ‘a great sense of accomplishment, in being able to make a difference in a young person’s life’,” she said.

The club aimed to provide constructive, mentored and supervised school holiday activity for young people aged 8-15 years, with a participation focus on disadvantaged and indigenous youth.

“And to instil participants with a sense of pride, educate them in basic mechanics and link them with positive, proactive mentors,” Ms Howard said.

Young people who complete the program are rewarded with a goodies bag of basic tools, a helmet and combination bike lock, as well as the bike they have rebuilt.

For more information about volunteering or donating old or unwanted bicycles, please call 9193 6425 or email inquiries@broomecircle.org.au.