A group of six young participants today graduated from Mission Australia's U-Turn automotive training course and thanked the Rotary Club of Hobart for their generous donation of a Spray Gun Cleaner.

Mission Australia’s State Operations Manager Noel Mundy said the U-turn program involves an automotive training course in car maintenance and panelbeating/spraypainting delivered in a workshop environment by qualified tradesmen.

“The course aims to break the cycle of motor vehicle theft by engaging participants in ‘hands on’ automotive, panel beating and spray painting training while addressing life-skills and personal development issues,” Mr Mundy said.

“The target group for the program is young people aged 15-20 who have been or who are at risk of becoming involved in car theft.
During the 10 week course, participants successfully rebuilt a 1993 Holden Barina as well as fitting it with an immobiliser to protect it against car theft.”

Speaking at today’s graduation, Mr Mundy thanked the Rotary Club of Hobart for their generous donation of $2000 which was used to purchase a Spray Gun Cleaner.

“Spray painting is a large component of the U-Turn course, and manually cleaning the spray guns is time consuming and exposes the students to potentially harmful cleaning agents,” he said.

“The new Spray Gun Cleaner is more efficient, healthier for the environment and safer for the participants to use as they are not exposed to cleaning chemicals. Mission Australia is very grateful for the Rotary Club of Hobart’s donation.”

Mr Mundy said Mission Australia was also delighted to announce the appointment of a northern youth worker, who will specifically provide support for participants returning home to the north of the state after their U-Turn experience.

“The youth worker will provide support to former participants in the form of assistance in getting back to school, finding work experience or helping participants find employment,” he said.

“Mission Australia’s U-Turn program is funded by the State Government through Tasmania Police and the Holden Barina was donated to the program by RACT Insurance.”

Mission Australia helps disadvantaged Tasmanians regain their lives and independence by providing employment and training as well as providing youth initiatives to inspire disadvantaged youths.

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

For more information:
Lucinda Bray, Beyond PR, 6233 3333 or 0438 280 486