Two Tasmanian victims of car theft were today handed the keys to a rebuilt Toyota Corolla and Daihatsu Applause, by a group of young Tasmanians graduating from 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 State Director Noel Mundy said both victims of crime had recently had their cars stolen and burnt out.
“Both recipients are very excited about their new cars, with one having found it difficult without transport to attend work and study commitments and the other recovering from illness without the convenience of her vehicle,” Mr Mundy said.
“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants repaired numerous dents on the car, completed an engine service, undertook minor repairs and finished off with a thorough car detailing.
“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 the Minister for Police and Emergency Management Jim Cox and the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Tasmania Police, Scott Tilyard.
Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation ceremony with one student receiving the Hazell Bros Most Outstanding Graduate Award as well as the Silver Tyre Award for the Most Consistent Driver, and another student receiving the Encouragement Award for Consistent Effort.
The cars were generously donated by the general public with other sponsors including RACT, Hazell Bros, Castrol, Spectrum, the Matt Goggin Foundation, Bocchino Motors, Glenorchy City Council and Loctec.
The U-Turn workshop is located in Moonah, and a supported accommodation service is also 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.
In last year’s budget, the State Government announced additional funding for U-Turn to enable two part-time youth workers to be appointed as dedicated post-course support workers. The State Government has also committed ongoing funding for the program until June 2010.
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.
- Media Contact: Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486
- Download the UTurn brochure - or visit the UTurn website for service information.
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