BikeRescue lands in Mullewa

During the summer holidays, Dismantle partnered with Mullewa Youth Centre and The City of Greater Geraldton to deliver a condensed 3-day BikeRescue program to 10 excited young people aged 11-16. BikeRescue mentors worked with the young people over the three sessions, teaching them how to build and paint their own bikes. 

Half of the group were young girls that had never done anything like this before, and they all did amazingly and worked so hard. The teamwork amongst them all was astonishing. As soon as they had completed a task they were going to the next person and showing them how to do it. Their teamwork and problem-solving skills were greatly improved, and you noticed it immediately. There was a great sense of camaraderie and excitement. - Nav Tane, Mullewa Youth Development Officer

“We all had a lot of fun, making new connections and strengthening existing friendships, and test-riding the new bikes on bush trails as a storm broke was a magical moment." – BikeRescue Mentor 

This program was supported by the Synergy Community Giving Fund and proceeds from Dismantle’s Cape2Cape fundraiser.  

Thank you to Synergy, Mullewa Youth Centre, The Greater City of Geraldton and everyone involved in this program for supporting WA’s at-risk young people and allowing us to reach new regional communities.

BikeRescue at Banksia Hill Detention Centre

Dismantle has returned to Banksia Hill Detention Centre for another series of BikeRescue programs.

Banksia Hill DC is Western Australia’s sole juvenile detention facility, accomodating remanded or sentenced young people aged 10-17 years. Of which, less than half are sentenced, with nine males to every female and 76% of an Indigenous Australian background (Department of Justice, 2019). 

Incarcerated youth experience more complex barriers to attaining socially-esteemed roles within society compared to other disengaged young people; including homelessness, deficient family support, limited education and work experience, mental health conditions and substance use (Crabtree et al., 2016). Moreover, these individuals have limited opportunities to engage in social, educational and vocational activities due to poverty and marginalisation (RACP, 2011). 

Detainees on good behaviour were invited to participate in BikeRescue, refurbishing a bicycle for themselves to keep once released. Initially, participants conveyed very little optimism for their futures upon release.

“I’m worthless, too far gone . . . No one would hire me even if I tried.” (Male, 15).

“I won’t get a job now ‘cause I’m locked up. There’s no opportunities for me.” (Male, 15).

However, towards the end of the program these individuals appeared to grow in confidence in their ability to develop new skills and pursue employment opportunities. One program graduate expressed a renewed hope towards achieving his dream job, stating “I didn’t think I could do it before this”. Initially stating “I can’t” several times each session, another participant was later observed completing mechanical tasks for one of her peers. After a few sessions, one individual expressed an interest in studying and working within mechanics, asking BikeRescue Mentors in-depth questions about their employment and training and requesting to attend BikeRescue’s workshop once released. 

Over the course of 2020, a total of 50 juvenile offenders participated in BikeRescue. On average, each participant of the five-day program had an attendance of 95%. The main incentive and motivator for participation was receiving a bicycle, which participants expressed upon arriving to their first session. Participants with approaching court dates appeared more motivated to finish their bicycles in order to take them home. Ten participants indicated plans to engage with Dismantle post-release for volunteering, training and vocational opportunities, particularly older individuals.

Beau's Story

Beau has been involved with Dismantle since 2019, where he has progressed from a volunteer, to a JobReadii participant, to a BikeDr employee. His obsession with BMX, racing and building bikes is what first brought him into the volunteering workshop when he was 14.

Beau was homeschooled due to issues at high school, so his Grandad decided to bring him into Dismantle’s Saturday Volunteering. Beau struggled with confidence and communication, often keeping to himself, or sticking with his grandad during the sessions. However, his passion for bikes always shone through. His experience at school caused him turn down any suggestions for further education and it was clear to Beau and his family that his passions were elsewhere.

When Beau first came to Dismantle, his lack of confidence made him feel like he wasn’t skilled enough to work with bikes for anything other than a hobby. As he continued coming to the Saturday sessions, staff could see he would benefit from Dismantle’s JobReadii program.

JobReadii focuses on supported employment, to help participants with work readiness skills and emotional support. Due to his passion for bikes, Beau completed a 6-week placement at BikeDr, where his confidence in communicating with his co-workers and customers continued to improve.

Now 17, Beau’s confidence has grown tenfold since he first walked in the door at Dismantle, both in his bike skills and social ability. After the conclusion of his JobReadii work placement, BikeDr offered Beau a part-time employment contract.

His enthusiasm, helpful nature and passion for bikes make Beau a great fit at BikeDr, where he is a valued member of the team. Beau even has time to still come down to volunteer on Saturdays at Dismantle from time to time.