ReconCYCLEation – Bikes for the Koori Cycling Program [20.12.2011]

Shepparton’s Regional Information and Advocacy Council (RIAC) runs successful cycling programs, both road and track, for disadvantaged young people mainly from Koori and refugee backgrounds.

Up until now the program has used donated and borrowed bicycles acquired from a range of sources and with various levels of suitability to meet the program demands. However, a grant of $25,000 from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust will enable RIAC to purchase a set of good quality bikes and ensure that the young people can gain maximum benefit from participation.

The Track and Road programs are based around developing safe cycling skills and are aimed at overcoming disadvantage and inequality through the delivery of these programs in cooperation with secondary schools and other welfare agencies.

The programs aim to prevent and overcome the predominant health issues of obesity, diabetes, depression and cardio vascular disease through the delivery of health and fitness programs based around cycling. At an individual level the programs aim to build self confidence and self esteem and provide young people with a metaphor for success in life. The programs also support the school curriculum by focusing on students’ commitment to remaining at school or enticing them back to school as a condition of being involved in the cycling programs, with demonstrated success.

RIAC works with a number of community organisations to deliver the program including Shepparton Police, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-op, and Shepparton High School.