Media Release: Christmas comes early for Tasmanian family in the form of a restored car

Christmas came early today for a family who were the victims of car theft, when they were handed the keys to a restored 1996 Ford Falcon EF Station Wagon by seven young Tasmanians at a graduation ceremony for Mission Australia’s U-Turn automotive training course.

U-Turn is a ‘best practice’ diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are at risk of becoming involved in, motor vehicle theft.

The core component of the program is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Mission Australia’s U-Turn Manager Kathryn Cranny, said the family who had recently had their car stolen were very excited about the prospect of receiving the car and regaining transport for their family, including a new born baby.

“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants undertook panel beating on the privately donated car, completed an engine service, replaced the gear box, resprayed the bumper bars and the front panel, and finished off with a new set of alloy wheels,” Ms Cranny said.

“The opportunity for participants to repair a vehicle for presentation to a victim of vehicle theft is one of the most important components of the U-Turn program.”

Graduates were presented with certificates by Scott Bacon MP and the Acting Assistant Commissioner Stephen Bonde.

Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation ceremony including the Hazell Bros Most Outstanding Graduate which went to Malcolm, while Toby received the Encouragement Award for Aptitude and Achievement. Zack received the RACT Safety Awareness Award, Robert received the Excellence Award for Consistent Effort while Daniel received the Go Kart Gold Tyre Award.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Moonah with a supported accommodation service available to enable young people from other parts of the State to participate in the program. The program is delivered by Mission Australia, under contract to Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania, located in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport.

For more information: Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486

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Three U-Turn clients were recently featured in our 'MATV' series of videos - view below or visit our channel at youtube.com/missionaust

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