A two-time victim of car theft is the recipient of a vehicle restored by the latest graduates of the U-Turn program.

Through U-Turn, young people aged 15 – 20, who have been identified as at risk of becoming involved in motor vehicle theft, are engaged in hands-on mechanical training, spray painting and car body work over a 10-week period.  The project also addresses life skills, personal development, literacy and numeracy tuition as well as 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.  For the past 10 weeks these seven young people have focussed their passion for cars into restoring a Suzuki Swift.

Today’s graduation was attended by Jennifer Cullen, whose Nissan Bluebird sedan was stolen recently.  Although recovered, the car was a write-off mechanically.

“The car that was stolen was actually a replacement for a similar car stolen last year,” said Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams.  “It was a good result that the offenders were identified and charged, but the presentation of this car by the U-Turn participants will go a long way to restoring faith in young people.

“The graduates can be proud of their hard work and new skills in restoring a vehicle which will make such a difference to someone whose car has been stolen.”

“I congratulate both the participants and the staff of Mission Australia for the success of Course 35.  The skills that these young people have gained over the last 10 weeks will be of great benefit to them in addressing personal issues and working towards obtaining employment or returning to education,” said the Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne.

“An important part of Project U-Turn is the opportunity for participants to recognise the effect motor vehicle theft can have on a victim and to use their newly-gained skills to help someone overcome these obstacles by repairing and providing a replacement vehicle.”

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.

Media and Communications
(03) 6230 2296