Pump your tires, oil those chains, join the Inner West Community Bike Hub as it celebrates its achievements in its first year of operation.
The Inner West Community Bike Hub is on a mission to get bikes into the hands of people who need them most, and boy did they do that this year, donating 386 bikes in its first year. Plus each bike donated came with free lights, lock, helmet and bell. They were able to do this through support agencies like AMES Australia, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, MiCare, Cohealth, and West Welcome Wagon. They were able to reach people originating from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tibet, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and of course Australia.
On top of that, they sold 280 bikes, serviced and repaired 900+ bikes. They have stopped well over 1000 bikes from hitting landfill through recycling to make new ones and salvage parts. They now have over 200 members, and really, to access tools, equipment and advice on their members’ day and first hear about their upcoming events for $10 a year it’s no wonder they have grown so quickly. By the way, being a member means you’ll be first to know when their Volunteer Bicycle Repair Training starts up, another win in their first year where they were awarded funding to connect with the community.
The Inner West Community Foundation Inc partnered with Footscray Rotary Club to start the social enterprise back in September 2019. Andy Moutray-Read, CEO at Inner West Community Enterprises, proud of their first year achievements says, “Our team of mechanics have been key to our success, together with the support of the Victorian Government to kick start the project and Brimbank and Maribyrnong councils for their ongoing support. Located within Lickety Split has proven to be an ideal partnership and we are thankful to the whole cycling community including BikeWest and Westside Cycle Club and their members. In particular we must thank the local community for their bike donations and their embracement of our bike repairs and maintenance services. This is a true social and community enterprise that Inner West Community Foundation is very proud to be involved with.”
In addition, Rodney Johnstone, President of the Footscray Rotary Club, thankful for the community support tells us, “Footscray Rotary is extremely pleased to be partners in this community enterprise and to have reached so many people in the community, after humble beginnings. We are very thankful for our talented and dedicated volunteers and staff who work wonders to refurbish old bikes and donate them to both adults and kids alike. The recycling (pardon the pun) helps the community in so many ways; resource re-use, less waste to landfill and less pollution, better fitness and mental health and a more connected community generally.”
1st Year Achievements:
- 386+ bikes donated to people in need, asylum seekers, and refugees + Each bike donated came with free lights, lock, helmet & bell.
- 280 bikes sold
- 900+ bikes serviced and repaired for community cyclists
- 1000+ recycled bikes
- 200+ members
- 30 volunteers over the years, a real place for people to connect
- 4 PT bike mechanics employed
Written by Athena Thompson