Liam McNally
A funding boost of almost $50,000 has given a Melton youth mentoring program that supports teens to get active through bike-riding the opportunity to expand.
Edmund Rice Community Services On Track sessions use mountain bike activities including riding, bike maintenance and building, track and obstacle building to deliver a program focused on social wellbeing, and physical health to support teens.
The program, which began last year in school terms one and four, has received $49,000 from VicHealth’s JumpStart! fund, which will allow the program to be delivered every term during 2023.
The free program runs every Thursday of the school term from 4pm to 6pm from their community centre on Greigs Road, Truganina, and is currently welcoming more teens to join.
The program provides all bicycles and equipment, and operates on 15kms of trails for kids to explore.
Edmund Rice Community Services recreations coordinator Michael Naismith said the organisation is “excited” to receive the funding “which has enabled us to guarantee the running of the program and deliver it through extra terms”.
“It’s fun and enjoyable to watch the young people succeed in different activities and enjoy the physicality of bike riding as well as the social aspects of working as a group,” he said.
“It’s open for teens that are keen to learn more about mountain bike riding, and you don’t have to be an expert when you get started.”
Edmund Rice Community Services are also looking to expand their On Track mentoring team, and are accepting applications for volunteers who enjoy cycling and want to support young people.
Teens and mentors wanting to join the program should contact Michael.
Details: 0466 597 145
