Tasmanian double car theft victim receives restored car

MA Media Release, 15 September 2011

A Tasmanian woman who fell victim to car theft not once, but twice, was today handed the keys to a fully restored Suzuki Swift by a group of young Tasmanians graduating from Mission Australia’s U-Turn automotive training course.

U-Turn is a ‘best practice’ diversionary program for young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in motor vehicle theft. The core component of the program is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

Mission Australia’s State Director Noel Mundy, said the recipient of the restored car, Jennifer Cullen, a teacher from Sandford, recently had her Nissan Bluebird stolen.

“The stolen Nissan Bluebird was actually a replacement for Ms Cullen’s other car which was also stolen last year,” Mr Mundy.

“The opportunity for participants to also repair a vehicle for presentation to a victim of vehicle theft is one of the most important components of the U-Turn program.”

Graduates were presented with certificates by the Minister for Police and Emergency Management David O’Byrne and Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams.

Achievement Awards were also presented at the graduation ceremony, including the Encouragement Award which went to Steven, Trent received the Workshop Award for Aptitude and Achievement, Robert received the Excellence Award for Attitude, Simon received the RACT Safety Awareness Award, and the Hazell Bros Award in recognition of the Most Outstanding Graduate was presented to Aaron. Nikia received the Silver Tyre Go Kart Award for the Most Improved Driver, while Damon received the Go Kart Gold Tyre Award for Fastest Overall.  

The car was generously donated by the general public with other sponsors such as RACT providing insurance on the vehicle, Hazell Bros, Castrol, Spectrum, the Matt Goggin Foundation, Civil Contractors Federation, Bocchino Motors, Glenorchy City Council, Loctec, Thrifty, Hobart City Council and the Car Doctor.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Moonah with a supported accommodation service available to enable young people from other parts of the State to participate in the program.  The program is delivered by Mission Australia, under contract to Department of Police and Emergency Management and is funded by the State Government.

For more information:  Lucinda Bray, Font Public Relations, 0438 280 486