CSC on the lookout for old bikes to restore

By Gabriel Garcia

Feb 16, 2023

Life skills: Cobram Secondary College students Curtis Reedman, Dylan Simm and Connor Frazer learning how to fix bikes. Photo by Contributed

Cobram Secondary College is looking for old bikes for its Pedal Empowerment Program.

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The program, which started in 2022, sees students from the college’s applied learning classes collect and refurbish old bikes so they can provide low-cost transportation to members of the community.

The two applied learning classes feature one Year 8 class and one combined Year 9/10 class.

Bikes are supplied through some of the local op shops or donated through individuals or Moira Shire Council.

The bikes are then refurbished on school grounds with students getting their hands dirty fixing and making the old bikes operational again.

Through the classes students learn life skills such as how to properly use basic hand tools, follow technical instructions meticulously and work cohesively as a team.

Applied Learning coordinator Matt Hendry said the bikes given to them by the op shop were then returned, whereas donated bikes from individuals or the council were then handed out.

“They are offered to community groups who have a need for them, be they schools, social clubs or youth groups.”

Mr Hendry said the bikes provided a social need for the community as they could offer a low-cost, low-maintenance transport option while also keeping the bikes out of landfill.

College principal Kimberley Tempest said the program was a way for students to simultaneously connect with the community while learning new skills.

“It's a way of empowering our students, upskilling our students, having our students work on their teamwork and emotional regulation skills, problem-solving skills, and then communication in terms of getting them to go and speak to members of the community who are both donating and purchasing those bikes,” Ms Tempest said.

According to Ms Tempest, the school will be expanding the program during the new school year to possibly include the refurbishment of old furniture.

Mr Hendry said anyone wishing to donate bikes could drop them off at student reception during school hours. Furthermore should any clubs be needing bikes they are welcome to contact the school.

CSC has been recently expanding its applied learning programs and asks any members of the local community to feel free to donate any surplus equipment and tools to the school to facilitate the success of the various programs.