A Hobart family will benefit from the hard work and new skills of the latest graduates of Project U-Turn.

For the past 10 weeks a group of young people, identified as at risk of becoming involved in vehicle theft, have focussed their passion for cars into restoring a Ford station wagon.

Through U-Turn, young people aged 15 – 20 are engaged in hands-on mechanical training, spray painting and car body work. The project also addresses life skills, personal development, literacy and numeracy tuition and road safety education.

The end result is a restored car, which the graduates present to a member of the community who has been a victim of car theft.

Pepita Challis’ car was stolen some time ago and not recovered. Since the theft Ms Challis and her family have been without a car and have relied on friends, family and public transport. Their family has just expanded to five with the birth of a baby daughter and the new car will make life much easier.

“The graduates have worked as a team to restore this vehicle, and it’s rewarding for them to see their efforts make such a difference to a family whose car was stolen,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Stephen Bonde.

“I congratulate the participants and the staff of Mission Australia for the success of this Course,” Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury, Scott Bacon said.

“Project U-Turn gives young people at risk an opportunity to focus their energy and talents towards learning new skills.

“It is important that there are a range of programs available to assist young people at risk improve their jobs skills and be better prepared to access job opportunities.

“Project U-Turn was recently recognised by the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards for its excellent work in reducing the incidence of motor vehicle theft,” Mr Bacon said.

While the U-Turn program is conducted in the workshop in Moonah, a supported accommodation service is 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.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2867