KIDS in the Brewarrina region can now learn new skills through a community-led pilot program promoting cycling in the area.

The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen, which started Tuesday, September 3, has been designed to boost cycling within the Brewarrina community by teaching participants how to build and maintain bicycles, and ride safely in the community.

The $110,000 pilot will be delivered by Tune Cycles through a $73,555 grant awarded under the NSW Government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) program, and $37,000 from the NSW Office of Sport for the purchase of bikes and helmets funded through the Sustainable Participation Partnership Program.

The program is supported by the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council and local schools. The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen was born out of discussions with community and school leaders who communicated a lack of activities for local youths and a desire to increase active transport opportunities within the town.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said sport and active recreation played a vital role in community engagement and healthy lifestyles in Far West NSW.

“The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen will get more local kids active and healthy through cycling,” Mr Butler said.

“The bike maintenance component of the program will also teach them important values of responsibility and commitment.

“I commend the NSW Government agencies, Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council and Tune Cycles for bringing this project to life.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said Transport for NSW will fund the educational and training component of the program, as well as travel for successful students who complete this repair workshop to attend a reward event for their participation in building a safer community.

“The aim is for these bikes to be utilised in an ongoing program after the pilot phase, ensuring sustainability and longevity,” she said.

“This pilot will provide essential training and education to community representatives who will serve as leaders of the Bike Kitchen for the student participants.

“Participants will acquire the necessary skills to mechanically fix and maintain bikes and ensure safe riding practices are encouraged and embedded within the community.”

The pilot will increase mobility options for young people in Brewarrina, where just under 20 per cent of residents do not have access to a registered motor vehicle (more than double the NSW average).

The pilot will also deliver improved health outcomes through new exercise opportunities.

Forty-four primary school-aged children from Brewarrina, Weilmoringle and Goodooga will take part in the Brewarrina Bike Kitchen pilot for 12 months. The participants, ranging from Years 3 to 6, have been selected after meeting and maintaining their existing educational outcomes at their respective schools.

The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen pilot started Tuesday, September 3 for mentors followed by the youth workshop the next day.

The Bike Kitchen workshop will be open every Thursday from 3pm-5pm at the Brewarrina LALC for kids to access help to maintain the bikes.

Three additional workshops will be held over a 12-month pilot period where mechanics from online and mobile bike specialists Tune Cycles will teach participants bike handling and maintenance skills to ensure the bikes are well-kept.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said sport and active recreation offers many benefits.

“The NSW Government’s funding of the Brewarrina Bike Kitchen will enable local indigenous children to develop a life-long love of cycling,” Mr Kamper said.

“I urge the kids and broader community to embrace this fantastic program so that it can continue for many years to come.”