Term 1 Highlight: Donnybrook Regional BikeRescue Program

BikeRescue has begun 2024 on a high note, hosting multiple programs across metropolitan and regional Western Australia during Term 1. Among these, the regional program in Donnybrook stood out as a significant highlight.

All ten participants, aged between 12 and 14, successfully graduated from the program and proudly took home their refurbished bikes as a symbol of their achievements. They demonstrated eagerness to learn new skills and build positive relationships, impressing the BikeRescue mentors with their growth and determination across the three sessions.

Before the program commenced, our partners and mentors established clear goals focused on fostering relationships, teamwork, and mentorship skills. Throughout the sessions, the group collaborated on bike refurbishments, acquiring not only technical skills but also valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership.

Participants emerged from the program equipped with essential life skills, including self-management and effective collaboration, while forming meaningful connections with their peers. As they tackled unfamiliar challenges, their confidence grew, paving the way for personal development and empowerment.

One participant, Chris, initially reserved, gradually found his voice as the program unfolded. With encouragement from our mentors, he became an active participant, eagerly participating in group activities. Through hands-on experiences, Chris not only honed practical skills but also found a supportive environment where he felt comfortable expressing himself.

Dismantle extends our sincere thanks to all the partners whose support made this program possible. As we prepare for Term 2, we welcome anyone interested in organising or supporting a BikeRescue program for the remainder of the year to reach out to us through our website.

A Wrap on 2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on the incredible journey Dismantle has undertaken throughout the year. In the spirit of the festive season, we're excited to share the successes and milestones that have defined our year and set the stage for an even more impactful 2024.

A big internal change for the Dismantle team was moving our headquarters from West Perth to a new, bigger space in Burswood. This move took a whole team effort, to transport a warehouse, office and workshop. Alongside our dedicated team we were supported by the team at Kennards Hire who provided trucks and volunteer staff to help us out. We now have a larger space to expand our impact and reach.

Alongside our mission, we intend to influence and advance the social enterprise landscape in WA. This year, Dismantle was the host and co-founder of the Investing for Impact WA group, bringing together socially conscious investors and philanthropists, connecting them to Western Australian social enterprises. With the first event in March 2023, we successfully raised $250k in impact investment. Then again in November, Dismantle hosted another Investing for Impact event for other stand out social enterprises - Noongar Land Enterprise, Reboot Australia and Loop.

In October, our dedicated Cape2Cape charity team embarked on a challenging journey, conquering both physical and fundraising goals. The team's incredible effort resulted in raising over $30,000 in support of WA’s at-risk young people.

A monumental achievement that truly embodies the core of our mission – Dismantle reached an extraordinary milestone, hitting $1 million paid to our youth employees. This is a highly significant marker of our model working and we’ll look to double that in the near future.

In November, we were honoured to be recognised as a finalist in both Social Traders’ Social Procurement Game Changer and RISE Business Awards. With so many fantastic fellow finalists we feel privileged to be among such great company.

As we express our gratitude for the successes of 2023, we acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community, partners, and dedicated team members. We’d like to express gratitude for the range of support we receive, ranging from grants and donations, social enterprise trade clients, volunteer contributions and everything in between. A special thank you goes out to Lotterywest for their generous grant recently, which has already begun making significant operational enhancements to our work and young people and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

Saving the best for last, congratulations and thanks to our incredible young people. The determination, courage and grit they demonstrate every day is the continual source of our energy and inspiration. It’s incredible to see the dedication and hard work of a young person getting their life on track. We're excited for the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024, as we continue to dismantle barriers and build a brighter future for all.

On behalf of the board, team and volunteers, wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

ReNew's Latest Venture: Tree Works

Since its inception in 2018, Dismantle’s subsidiary social enterprise, Renew Property Maintenance, has experienced enormous growth. From its early days underpinned by a $100k grant from Impact 100 and operating with a handful of crew leaders and Youth Employees, it has grown to having 45 Youth Employees and over 30 clients in 2023. Not only growing in size, ReNew has had significant growth in its skills and job capacities, adapting to meet the evolving needs of its expanding clientele.

 The latest chapter in ReNew's journey is an exciting opportunity provided through Spotless, approving ReNew as a nominated contractor for tree works services for properties within the Department of Housing portfolio. This collaboration comes from a long relationship between ReNew and Spotless, with Spotless being one of ReNew’s first and largest commercial clients. These contracts are not just about providing tree services; they present an invaluable opportunity for ReNew to enhance skill levels, diversify its service offerings to other clients, and, most importantly, create more work opportunities for our Youth Employees.

The scope of work within the tree works project is comprehensive, covering tree and branch removal, trimming, stump grinding, and mulching. This venture into tree services is predicted to provide 250 shifts annually, equivalent to 2,000 hours of meaningful work. As a result, this initiative is expected to open doors for the employment of an additional 3-4 young people.

The support for this service expansion comes directly from Dismantle’s Investing for Impact WA event held earlier in the year, that brought together a network of socially conscious organisations, investors, philanthropists and interested parties showcasing their belief in the positive impact and sustainability of ReNew. This financial support has given us the resources to explore this exciting new venture. 

As we embark on this journey into tree services, we invite you to stay tuned for updates. ReNew remains committed to providing top-notch services while staying true to our core values of empowering youth. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and grateful for the continued support of our community, partners, and investors.

Michael's Story

In 2023, we've observed remarkable moments and have been fortunate to play a role in our young people overcoming substantial challenges. Among these success stories is “Michael”, a dedicated youth employee who recently transitioned out of the JobReadii program, securing employment with the City of Stirling. Michael’s story extends beyond finding a job; it’s a testament to his personal growth and determination in taking charge of his own path.

Having spent nearly three years with ReNew, Michael started with minimal work skills and struggled with his confidence. Through sheer determination and hard work, he swiftly evolved into a reliable and disciplined staff member. Progressing to a full-time role, Michael consistently went above and beyond, contributing to the maintenance of the workshop and vehicles after his shifts.

The JobReadii managers could see Michael’s potential and eagerness to grow both personally and professionally. The first big step in his journey was being nominated by JobReadii for The Wanderer Program, which provided him with the opportunity to pursue driving lessons. Soon after, he obtained his driver’s license and saved for his first car. Armed with this newfound independence, Michael set his sights on the next step, applying for job opportunities. With assistance from JobReadii in creating a resume and writing job applications, he successfully secured a position with the City of Stirling in landscaping. 

We congratulate Michael on his achievements and wish him continued success in his new role with the City of Stirling. After almost 3 years of dedication to ReNew the Dismantle team will miss seeing Michael’s face every day, but we can’t wait to hear about what’s next for him!