3 July 2026
Young people at Holtze Youth Detention Centre are learning practical skills by restoring donated bikes - and giving them to other vulnerable kids to help them get to school.
The refurbished bikes go to children supported by the Department of Children and Families, removing a real barrier to school and staying connected to community.
It's a practical example of how the Finocchiaro CLP Government is tackling the root causes of crime - building skills and responsibility so young people are less likely to reoffend.
Young people at Holtze Youth Detention Centre are helping other vulnerable kids get to school by restoring donated bikes through a hands-on program built around rehabilitation, responsibility and giving back.
Delivered by the Build Up Program, the initiative teaches young people in detention bicycle restoration and mechanical skills while refurbishing donated bikes that are then passed on to children supported by the Department of Children and Families.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said the program was delivering positive outcomes for both the young people restoring the bikes and those receiving them.
"This program is about giving young people the opportunity to learn practical skills, develop confidence and make a positive contribution to their community.
"Rehabilitation is about creating opportunities to build new skills, take responsibility and contribute in meaningful ways."
The latest restored bikes and scooters were today handed to the Department of Children and Families' Family and Youth Support (FAYS) team in Greater Darwin, where they will be matched to the children who would benefit most. Bikes will be prioritised for young people who struggle to get to school because of limited transport, and each child also receives a helmet and, where needed, help to learn to ride safely.
Minister for Children and Families Robyn Cahill said, 'removing a simple barrier, such as limited access to transport could make all the difference'.
"Every young person deserves to be supported to succeed in life and we know school attendance is critical to creating the foundation for that success."
"Lack of transportation for some is an overwhelming obstacle preventing them getting to and from school. This program aims to remove that barrier, providing young people a mode of transport to overcome that obstacle, which for many will be life changing'.
"Our Family and Youth Support team will carefully match each refurbished bike to a child or young person who will benefit most - helping them get to school, connect with their community and build confidence."
Build Up Program Managing Director Rory Coffison said it was rewarding to watch the young people grow through the program.
"It's awesome to see how far some of the youth have come. When we first came in, they weren't fully confident to get involved, but now they're actually excited when they see us coming."
One young participant said he was proud to be giving back.
"The best thing about fixing these bikes is when they go to kids in foster care - that's what I really like about this program. Maybe they can ride to school from home."
The Build Up Program runs two workshops a week for up to 10 participants, with each restoration taking around a month. Seven young people recently refurbished four bicycles and five scooters, and the program has delivered about 10 bikes and five scooters since it began.
