Wheels keep on turning: Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project secondary and transitions manager Sarah Norris (front) with Josh Maude, Wayne Chambers, Mat Golding, Jim O’Connor, Malcolm Watt, Chris Windsor and Wayne Hollingsworth.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Aiming to enhance work and life skills, improve mental health and foster community connections among young people, the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project’s Pit Stop program is an initiative that offers hands-on learning opportunities.
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Throughout the year, the program collaborates with school groups and individuals from the region, bringing them together to learn bike and scooter refurbishment techniques and other mechanical skills.
Upon completion of modifications and repairs, the bikes and scooters are generously redistributed back into the community, either to organisations or individuals, offering these items a second life to people who really need them.
Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project secondary and transitions manager Sarah Norris highlighted the successful collaboration between the Pit Stop program and the Bike and Scooter Muster, emphasising the substantial benefits to the community.
“Some students are given the chance to claim the bike they’ve fixed themselves, which has, in some cases, led to employment opportunities for them,” she said.
“At times, it can be as crucial as providing a means of transportation to reach different destinations. Other times, they’re enjoyed by young children and families.”
This year, the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project’s Bike and Scooter Muster received an overwhelming number of kind donations of unused bikes and scooters, prompting them to halt further donations.
“We received an astounding response to our call-out with over 200 donations,” Miss Norris said.
Like new: Shepparton Central Rotary member Jim O’Connor.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“Due to the large amount, we reached out to the community for volunteers and groups to assist in our workshop to facilitate deliveries before Christmas.
“Many individuals volunteered and did an exceptional job, transforming these bikes into pristine condition for distribution within the community.
“We greatly appreciate the tremendous efforts from these kind volunteers, whom we rely heavily on for various programs.
“It’s great to see the whole community helping broaden our reach in addressing transport issues and connection for our local and young people.”
The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is continuously seeking volunteers to support its services. For further details, visit https://www.gslp.com.au/
The Bike and Helmet Muster will resume in the new year, seeking donations not only of unused bikes and scooters but also helmets for all ages.
Workshop: Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project project officer Mat Golding and Pit Stop volunteer Wayne Hollingsworth.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
