A group of young Tasmanians today graduated from Mission Australia's U-Turn automotive training course, donating a rebuilt Mitsubishi Lancer to a victim of crime.

Mission Australia’s State Director Noel Mundy said the victim of crime, a young mother with two children, was very excited about the car and looking forward to a new beginning in 2008.

“The U-Turn participants stripped the car, repaired the damage to the rear end of the vehicle and finished with a respray to brighten the car,” Mr Mundy said.

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

Graduates were today presented with certificates by the Minister for Police and Emergency Management the Hon. David Llewellyn and Tasmania Police Commissioner Richard McCreadie.

Hazell Bros has again provided the Excellence Award for the best performing participant and RACT provided the OHS Award as well as donating the car repaired during the course.

U-Turn is a ‘best practice’ diversionary program for young people who have been involved in, or who are 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.

The U-Turn workshop is located in Hobart, but a supported accommodation service is also 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 Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.

In this year’s budget, the State Government announced additional funding for U-Turn to enable two part-time youth workers to be appointed as dedicated post-course support workers. The State Government has also committed ongoing funding for the program until June 2010.

Mission Australia has almost 280 services across every state and territory in Australia and has five offices in Tasmania, located in Burnie, Launceston, Hobart, Moonah and Devonport

For more information: Lucinda Bray, Beyond PR, 6223 3333 or 0438 280 486