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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Media Release: Two victims of car theft handed the keys to restored vehicles

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.

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• 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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U-Turn, a new direction: Three graduates discuss their transformation in new video

Three graduates of Mission Australia's U-Turn program recently discussed their experiences and transformations in Mission Australia's latest short film release U-Turn, a new direction.

The U-Turn program aims to curb the thrill-seeking behaviour that pushes young people into motor vehicle theft.  Students are able to fulfill their interests in racing and mechanics in a safe, legal and fun environment.

The core component of the program is the automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered at the facility's workshop. Students are provided with additional support where required including supported accommodation, personal development, employment assistance, road safety education, recreational activities (such as go-karting) and post-course support.

U-Turn follows the best practice model and business plan for the Young Recidivist Car Theft Offender Program, as specified by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council. For more information visit http://www.uturntas.com.au or http://www.carsafe.com.au

View U-Turn, a new direction or any other Mission Australia video at our Youtube channel: youtube.com/missionaust 

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