Mackay BikeShed receives generous donation

Mackay BikeShed continues to break new boundaries with a generous donation towards a new youth program.

The $20,000 donation from Mackay Community Foundation will fund BikeSheds participation in the Annual River 2 Reef ride.

Mackay BikeShed Coordinator Carl Holland says they are incredibly grateful for the donation and hopes the program will make a vital difference to the wellbeing to Mackay youth.

“We are planning on getting ten young participants, they train them together over the course of ten weeks, complete the ride, and at the end of it all they will get to keep the bikes,” said Carl.

“We have received a lot of interest so far, BHP have also been a huge support and have donated 5 brand new bikes for consumers to use in the ride.

The program is designed to promote an active lifestyle for young, disadvantaged youth, improving social connection and reducing loneliness, a key trigger for suicide.

“At the end of the day, the results will speak for themselves, having ten people out there as advocates for mental wellbeing through this program will be the biggest reward for the Mackay community.

“The reality is, if you can ride 30 kilometres confidently you have got education opportunities, for social connection, but you also have your independence as well.

selectability’s connection with community organisations in Mackay has welcomed the funding opportunity.

Across its wide footprint, selectability’s BikeSheds are providing an inclusive space for locals to connect, work on projects, join in group bike rides and improve their mental wellbeing.

This reputation often creates a wealth of community connections that support, and fund programs developed to improve the wellbeing of regional Queenslanders.

In addition to the standard BikeShed program (for those 18 years of age and older) the youth BikeShed Program is available for those 10 - 24 years old in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa and Rockhampton.