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Meet the team: Paul Mitchell
Introducing Paul, our Rockhampton Bike Shed Coordinator.
Paul runs the new Youth BikeShed program that provides young people across the Rockhampton region with a welcoming place to make friends and engage in meaningful projects while improving their physical and mental health.
The program is focused on intervention and provides young people with activities that promote positive behaviours and prevent them from engaging in anti-social behaviour.
“Activities include fixing bikes and group rides, drumming on Djembe drums, painting along with team work and leadership programs,” said Paul.
“All of the activities are about the journey of respect, self-regulation, communication and teamwork getting to the end goal of a positive personal outcome.”
Paul has diverse experience, having travelled 70 countries and lived in Canada, London and throughout Australia. He’s spent 30 years working in mental health, disabilities, community services and education.
He’s run for local council at Livingstone, and devoted himself to intervention programs, even taking a group to New Guinea to complete the Kokoda trek.
Adding to his experience, Paul is studying psychology, and his family have spent ten years donating Christmas gifts to charity. This year they provided thousands of presents for local organisations and shelters.
Paul understands selectability’s vision for the BikeSheds and is anticipating the opportunities it will offer.
“It’s all very exciting seeing the creation of the space and programs and I can’t wait to see the amazing outcomes for all of our participants, whatever the outcomes might be.”
Paul loves being part of selectability and encourages others not to miss an opportunity to contribute to the community and support people.
“Just giving someone, who is alone and feeling very low, a place to go and a project to be part of – something to get out of bed for – is the best outcome.”
The Youth BikeShed program is open to 10 - 24 year olds with a particular focus on 12 - 17 year olds.
The Rockhampton BikeShed’s official opening event is scheduled for 17 March 2023 – you can register to attend HERE
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selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
