BikeRescue program in Kununurra

In Term 3 of 2023, BikeRescue mentors, Zach and Brad, ran a successful BikeRescue program at East Kimberly College in Kununurra. The dedicated efforts of seven enthusiastic participants, supported by funding partners, DoTERRA Healing Hands Foundation and Santanol resulted in the repair of bicycles. The program saw remarkable personal growth and development among its participants. 

The core program took place at East Kimberley College, where participants engaged in Dismantle’s award-winning BikeRescue program from Monday to Friday mornings. Additional activations were held to engage the wider community in fix-a-bike workshop at Kununurra PCYC in the afternoons. 

Our mentors received tremendous support from the school staff, enabling a seamless learning experience. All seven participants successfully graduated, each completing their own bike to keep. The participants practised their teamwork, grew self-management skills and developed relationships with each other, working as a team to complete their bikes. 

The after-hours workshops at PCYC were also a huge success, with mentors repairing an average of 8-10 bikes per session, alongside some scooters and skateboards. This format allowed for greater inclusivity, enabling more young people to participate and benefit from the extended program.

One of the participants, Ruben, initially faced challenges engaging with the activities and required additional attention and encouragement to participate fully. Over time, with the support of BikeRescue mentors and school staff, Ruben's engagement grew. His maturity and leadership skills became evident as others quickly followed his instructions, creating a more productive and respectful environment. 

Regional BikeRescue programs hold a special significance for Dismantle due to the disproportionate systemic disadvantages faced by young people in regional Western Australia. As we gear up for several upcoming programs, we are continually seeking support to ensure our impact extends to regional and remote communities.

WACD and Dismantle partner to support the WA community

Last July, Dismantle established a collaborative partnership with the West Australian Community Development (WACD) program, seeking assistance in expanding the JobReadii program. Through a generous contribution of $10,000, WACD has played a pivotal role in providing paid employment opportunities to 15 young individuals through our transformative JobReadii program. The impact has been extraordinary, with 11 of these talented youth employees successfully transitioning to external employment or apprenticeships. Dismantle is immensely grateful to WACD for their unwavering generosity, as it has enabled us to empower and uplift young lives, offering them transformative opportunities for a brighter future.

With the 11 youth employees that successfully transitioned, four have secured casual jobs, three have obtained full-time positions, and four have embarked on promising apprenticeships. These young people mean so much more than the number of transitions. Each individual brings their own set of skills and challenges, and these achievements represent significant milestones in their personal and professional journeys. These accomplishments highlight the life-changing impact of JobReadii and demonstrate the unwavering commitment of both Dismantle and WA Charity Direct in empowering young individuals to forge fulfilling and prosperous careers.

An example of one of these successful transitions is “Bronte”. Bronte joined ReNew in July 2022 at 17. In the 7 months he was with ReNew he had some huge transformations and has now embarked on a heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship starting in January 2023. Bronte’s initial challenges included difficulties with reading and writing, as well as struggles with anxiety that affected his ability to fully engage at work and express himself. However, through the support and guidance provided by Dismantle and WA Charity Direct, Bronte has overcome these obstacles and is now thriving in his apprenticeship, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Dismantle is profoundly grateful to WACD for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. WACD's generosity has enabled us to provide employment opportunities for at-risk youth, equipping them with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Their contribution has played a crucial role in enabling the success of the JobReadii program, allowing us to guide and mentor these young individuals on their journey towards meaningful employment and self-sufficiency.

Thriving Against All Odds: Rob's Inspiring Journey of Personal Growth and Success

“Rob”, a determined 17-year-old, who’s time with Dismantle and ReNew is a prime example of the ability of at-risk young people to thrive, given the right support and opportunities. Despite a tough family background and limited access to positive role models, Rob has not only made huge strides in his personal growth but applied himself and excelled in his work. 

In 2019, Rob joined a BikeRescue Program for people on Centrelink with his brother. Rob was very shy at first but soon opened up to the youth mentors about struggling to find work. Fast forward to 2023, Rob is working as a dedicated member of ReNew Property Maintenance. 

Rob's natural aptitude for hands-on work, combined with his strong work ethic, set him apart. Regardless of the task at hand, he consistently gave his best effort and never complained. Often referred to as, “Mr Reliable”, the ReNew Team Leaders have watched Rob thrive during his time working for ReNew. 

Rob’s journey was not without its challenges. Initially shy and hesitant to ask for help, he lacked confidence and struggled with social interactions. However, through his involvement in the JobReadii program, Rob experienced significant personal growth. His time with JobReadii and ReNew have helped him break through emotional barriers, boost his self-assurance, and develop better communication skills.

In addition to his personal growth and achievements, Rob has recently embarked on a new chapter in his life. With the guidance and support from the JobReadii team, he started a Roof Carpentry apprenticeship, further expanding his skill set and career prospects. This exciting opportunity allows Rob to apply his natural aptitude for hands-on work in a specialised field.

In just four short years, Rob has undergone a truly remarkable transformation. The change in his confidence is nothing short of extraordinary. To those who knew him before, he is virtually unrecognisable. The journey he embarked on, fuelled by determination and support, has allowed him to break through barriers and discover his true potential. Rob’s newfound confidence is a testament to the power of resilience, personal growth, and the positive impact that can come from the right opportunities and support systems.

Empowering Youth and Expanding Horizons: Dismantle and doTERRA Unite Once Again

In 2021, Dismantle partnered with doTERRA to bring the BikeRescue program to Kununurra, at East Kimberly College. The results of our collaborative efforts in the 2021 program have made a significant impact on young people's lives in the region. With the generous contribution of $10,000 from doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, we were able to empower young people in Kununurra and help them discover their potential through bicycles. The impact of this partnership was beautifully captured in this video from doTERRA.

“The teachers were amazed to see kids who hadn’t been engaged in their education for months turning up every day to participate. To see their confidence and skills grow throughout the week as they worked alongside their mentors was incredible to witness. We are so delighted to be working alongside our Sandalwood Supplier, local community partners and Dismantle to bring the BikeRescue program to First Nations students at East Kimberley college once again this year and look forward to watching a new group of young people thrive.”

— – Carolyn Bruce, Social Impact manager at doTERRA

Building on the success of the previous year, doTERRA has once again pledged $10,000 towards the BikeRescue program in term 3 of this year. This year's program will see the BikeRescue team returning to East Kimberly College and additionally heading to the Youth Centre (PCYC). The team will conduct bike maintenance sessions in the afternoons that will be open to young people in the broader community. The PCYC expansion will allow the our mentors to engage an additional 30 young people. Reaching more young people while also providing an opportunity for participants in the school program to share their knowledge and mentor others in the community.

Dismantle are very thankful to doTERRA for this ongoing partnership. We are excited to witness the next group of young individuals thriving and discovering their potential. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of these young people, fostering growth, empowerment, and a brighter future for the community of Kununurra.

If you are interested in learning more about the BikeRescue initiative and how it could benefit your school or community, please contact us here.