Published on Monday, 21 March 2016 at 12:00:00 AM
The benefit of living in a small community such as Paraburdoo is that kids easily transport themselves around town on their bikes. Kids ride to school, to sports training, to the shops for Mum and to their friends’ houses, a healthy way of life that is synonymous with living in the Pilbara.
More bikes means more bike racks and together Rio Tinto, the Paraburdoo Youth Centre, the Paraburdoo Men’s Shed and the Shire of Ashburton invited local youth to help build five new racks for their town. A group of kids eagerly put their hands up for the job and contributed to all elements of the project, from concept design through to construction.
Workshops were hosted by the Youth Centre to discuss the project and gather youth input on preferred locations and rack design. Follow up sessions were then held to finalise the design, the materials to be used and the process for construction. Youth were then invited to join the team leaders at the Paraburdoo Men’s Shed to actively assist in the creation of each of the five new racks.
Shire President Kerry White said that it was great to see local youth consulted on, as well as given the opportunity to contribute to, facilities that are for their use and benefit.
“Giving kids a voice and a chance to express their opinions and ideas on matters that affect them is valuable on so many levels,” said Cr White. “Paraburdoo now has five new fantastic bike racks, with amazing designs, and the kids who participated should be extremely proud of their efforts.”
Marian Hearne from the Tom Price Youth Centre Association said they were really pleased to be involved in the project and, through the Paraburdoo Youth Centre, provide local youth with a fun and creative opportunity.
“Beginning with their own original designs, young people are now able to see the artistic sculptures which give them a great sense of pride and ownership in their community.”
Rio Tinto general manager Greater Paraburdoo Operations Gabe Iwanow said the project had been successful in engaging many groups in the community.
“This project has been important, not only in delivering a tangible product for the community, but for the way it has involved people of all ages and backgrounds working together in a fun and positive environment,” Ms Iwanow said. “It has created a sense of ownership and pride, and even helped to build new networks for people in the town.”
The new bike racks have been installed in key locations around the Town Centre - the indoor cricket nets, swimming pool, skate park, shopping centre and high school bus stop, and have become a well-used facility as kids continue to enjoy being out on their bikes.
Back to All News