TRACTION: Empowering young people in need

Bikes to small engines - new Moorooka Workshop in full swing.

TRACTION participants completed a Bicycle Build program in Term 1. Since then, the attention has shifted to an introduction to mechanics which involves working on donated lawn mowers and small engines. TRACTION Moorooka operates in a space generously provided by Pro Honda Motorcycles/Pro Life Giant Bicycles, with the team offering great support to the program.

Capalaba gets a refurb.

New tools have been purchased and bike mounts fitted to revamped benches at the Capalaba Workshop. It's all about bikes at Capalaba and BMX's are all the rage! This BMX bike created by Bailey attracted plenty of attention recently on the TRACTION Facebook page.

West End workshop coming soon.

Local civil construction firm Pensar is providing space for the third TRACTION Workshop, which is set to open in August this year. The Epic Good Foundation has donated funds to purchase the necessary tooling to kick off the Bicycle Build program.

The first TRACTION participants from Yeronga State High School and the Inala Flexi Learning Centre graduated the Bicycle Build program prior to Easter this year.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams welcomed new TRACTION participants from Victoria Point State High School, in Term 2.

The fourth cohort of students from Capalaba State College are making excellent progress on their bike projects this term.

TRACTION is an action-based and hands-on environment where participants get "on the tools". They also share their "hopes and dreams" with their fellow bikers. Together they forge "working agreements" that set high standards of behaviour. They keep their own daily logs, noting plans and progress. Team roles are now in place which allow participants to take responsibility for running their own start and end of day "check in" meetings, manage safety, timeliness, parts, materials and meals.

Small Engines Program launched.

Participants at Moorooka have built their own model engines and have started work on donated lawn mowers as part of the new Small Engines program. The program provides an excellent introduction to mechanics and next term will evolve into "Pimp My Mower" mode, where participants will be able to customise donated mowers into machines that can be put to service.

Boot Camp transforms "Postie" bikes.

The first TRACTION Boot Camp was held earlier this year where "The Shark" and "Mint" were born! Bike Mentors Phil and Simon guided two family groups through the project. Thanks to the team at Ellaspede and Surroundings for their help planning the transformation of the trusty old Honda CT110 "postie" bikes into new creations!

 

Students from Victoria Point SHS welcomed to TRACTION

TRACTION at the Winternationals
Behind the scenes at the Winternationals! Thanks to the generous support from the team at Wallace Bishop Jewellers, TRACTION participants got behind-the-scenes at the Winternationals. Stuart Bishop, team owner/driver of the WALLACE BISHOP LOYAL WATCHES Racing team, hosted TRACTION participants and showed what it takes to build high performance teams and machines! Held at Willowbank raceway, the Winternationals is the largest championship drag racing event held outside of North America. Check out the photos on @tractionbuilds

TRACTION & 99 Bikes
99 Bikes support TRACTION. We have been fortunate to receive over 30 donated bikes from 99 Bikes stores for our participants to work on as projects. We are delighted that staff have chosen to amplify their support which will see a further 50 bikes being donated through their staff “Earning To Give” program.

New Programs
Our sights are set on delivering programs that engage and empower young people in need. The Bicycle Build program has been extremely well received and the Small Engines program is firing up as we speak. Following the completion of our first 'Postie' bike Boot Camp, we’ll be introducing the TRACTION Motorcycle program later this year at Moorooka providing further opportunities for those with an interest in mechanics.

Boo Boo Bikes Social Enterprise
TRACTION participants will assemble new bicycles with frames made from bamboo in an exciting collaboration with Boo Boo Bikes. We recently had our first sneak peak at the new Boo Boo Bikes which feature frames made by women employed by Ghana Bamboo Bike charity.

TRACTION expanding through partnerships
We are working with a number of groups and charities who have expressed interest in introducing TRACTION programs into their communities.

How you can help

TRACTION relies purely on private, corporate, charitable and community contributions to fund the program. Any contribution you can make, large or small, is greatly appreciated. There are a range of ways to help including donating a project, buying a TRACTION T-shirt, making a donation for an amount of your choice, sponsoring a student's participation as well as corporate sponsorship packages which are available.

MAKE A DONATION - Tax Deductible
SPONSOR A STUDENT - $75/term
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
BUY A T-SHIRT - $40 each
DONATE A BICYCLE OR MOTORCYCLE

About TRACTION

TRACTION empowers young people in need. TRACTION helps young people positively engage with their communities, discover their talents and create their own future.

We understand that everybody learns differently and some young people don't realise their potential in a classroom. That's why we provide an alternative and action-based learning environment, encouraging relationships and access to employment opportunities.

TRACTION provides programs that engage young people and support the development of practical skills, communication and broader life skills.

The TRACTION Bicycle Build Program provides the chance for young people to restore bicycles donated by the community whilst being supported by volunteers who provide support and positive role modelling. The TRACTION Small Engine and Motorcycle Programs provide further opportunities for those with an interest in mechanics. Volunteer 'Bike Mentors' support 12-17 year old 'Bikers' (participants) to repair, restore or customise donated bicycles, small engines and motorbikes in an action-based learning environment of creativity, empowerment and ownership.

TRACTION is a vehicle for people to make a difference and is building a vibrant community of volunteers, program partners and sponsors around our 'Bikers' who are experiencing a sense of contribution and belonging.

TRACTION operates two workshops in Brisbane; Capalaba and Moorooka, and a third is planned for West End later in 2016. TRACTION programs will soon be delivered in new communities through exciting partnerships with other community groups.

KEY PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- Increase self-esteem and social skills
- Increase school attendance and achievement
- Improve future employment opportunities
- Improve life skills
- Offer community and mentor support


What the Schools that we serve say

“During the past six months TRACTION has had an exemplary track record of success in engaging the young people who attend our school in relevant, responsive and a relational bike building/restoration and mechanics program. Along with their core focus of restoration and mechanics, many other important life skill and workplace related outcomes have been achieved. Inala Flexible Learning Centre is excited to support and continue to partner with TRACTION in its endeavours to enable the young people from our school to ‘Build their own Future’.”

Nigal De Maria, Head of Campus at the Inala Flexible Learning Centre (June 2016)
 

Keep in the Loop!

Website link: www.traction.community
Facebook: @tractionbuilds
Instagram: @tractionbuilds