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U-Turn Graduation

U-Turn Participants Restore Car for a Victim of Crime

A car donated by a member of the Huon community and restored by U-Turn graduates will help a Devonport mother rebuild her life and provide valuable transport for her young son.

Ms Marshall’s car was destroyed by fire a year ago. The offender was convicted, but Ms Marshall did not have full insurance and is repaying a loan for a car she no longer has.

While RACT Insurance regularly provides cars to be restored by U-Turn graduates, the Holden Barina donated to U-Turn (course 26) has been donated by a woman from the Huon area.

The graduates, aged between 14 and 16, marked the end of their 10 week course by presenting the car to Ms Marshall.

Their efforts were acknowledged by the Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr Scott Tilyard, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Mr Graeme Sturges.

“Over the past 10 weeks this group of young people has learned a range of valuable skills which they will be able to utilise for many years to come” said Mr Tilyard.

“They should be extremely proud of their achievements, knowing their efforts have helped improve the quality of life for a mother who was a victim of crime” he said.

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 10-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment.

“The opportunity for participants to repair a car for presentation to a victim of crime is one of the most important components of the program” said Mr Sturges.

(18 June 2009)

U-Turn Graduates Delivering a Gift

An Ulverstone grandmother will be able to resume her volunteer work after a gift from the graduates of a unique youth diversion program.

Last year, her car was stolen and burnt out, leaving her isolated and unable to participate in her work with the RSPCA.

The graduates, aged between 14 and 16, from the U-Turn youth diversion program handed over the keys to the car they have spent the past 10 weeks restoring.

RACT Insurance regularly donates cars to the U-Turn workshop, but on this occasion Sergeant Peter May donated a Honda hatchback which was in need of repair.

“We hope the hard work of the U-Turn graduates will go some way to restoring an Ulverstone grandmother’s faith in society and return her independence,” said the Acting Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“The U-Turn course has again proven itself to be a valuable program in diverting young people away from vehicle related crime,” said Mr Hine.

“The opportunity for participants to repair a vehicle for presentation to a victim of crime is one of the most important components of the program,” said the Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges.

“I congratulate the efforts of Course 25 and the U-Turn staff on yet another impressive course outcome and car restoration,” said Mr Sturges.

(19 March 2009)