Shane turns his life around

Shane*, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, had little interest in school. By the age of 14, he had disengaged from mainstream education and was getting himself in trouble with the police.

He first heard about the innovative U-Turn automotive training course from a local police officer. U-Turn is a 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 10-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Earlier this year, Shane joined U-Turn for the last five weeks of Course 25. The teenager did so well in that time that he ended up winning the Most Outstanding Graduate Award. This award is sponsored by Hazell Brothers, a large Tasmanian construction firm.

Shane has since managed to secure permanent employment with Hazell Brothers. However, he still attends U-Turn three afternoons a week to improve his literacy and numeracy skills.

As his confidence grows, he is increasingly in a better position to manage the effects of ADHD and connect with the community.

This young man is continuing to do well and is a great example of how giving rewards for work well done and opportunities can break negative cycles.

“I’ve learn about spray-painting, mechanics and panel-beating, he says. “U-Turn is good – it keeps you out of trouble. It’s stopped me doing a lot of things I used to do. It’s helped me. They’re good people who help you all the time.”

*Name has been changed.

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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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Seven's Sunrise covers recent UTurn graduation

In a recent post we reported on the latest graduation ceremony at the U-Turn service in Tasmania - a highly successful youth program.

U-Turn aims to break the cycle of motor vehicle theft by engaging participants in 'hands on' mechanical training while addressing life-skills and personal development issues. Please visit the U-Turn website for more information.

Seven's Sunrise program also provided coverage of the event - the clip can be viewed here:

U-Turn graduates donate restored car to victims of car theft

A Moonah family, who’ve had three cars stolen in the past four years, were today handed the keys to a rebuilt `95 Hyundai Excel by six 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 Community Services Operations Manager Lucy O’Flaherty said the victim, who received the car on behalf of her family, said the car had gone some way in restoring her faith in young people and the community.

“During the 10-week course, the U-Turn participants repaired numerous dents on the RACT donated car, completed an engine service, undertook a full service, a test run and finished off with a complete re-spray,” Ms O’Flaherty 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 the Minister for Infrastructure Mr Graeme Sturges MHA and Tasmania Police Commander Steve Bond.

Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation including the Hazell Bros Most Outstanding Graduate, the RACT Safety Awareness Award, the Encouragement Award for Effort and the Most Improved for Attitude and Enthusiasm.

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.


In last year’s budget, the State Government announced additional funding for the appointment of two part-time youth workers 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.



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

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What is U-Turn?

U-Turn aims to break the cycle of motor vehicle theft by engaging participants in 'hands on' mechanical training while addressing life-skills and personal development issues.

Download the UTurn brochure - or visit the UTurn website for more service information.

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