Pictured (left to right): Lauren Bowen, Mayor Cr Martin Zakharov, The Hon. Katie Hall MP,
Wurundjeri Elder Ron Jones, Justin Bowen and Board Member Kathleen Williams AM.
For 25 years, Hand Brake Turn has helped young people in the pursuit of education and employment pathways by providing practical, hands on automotive training experience while encouraging them to reach their full potential and learn about themselves.
On Saturday 13 April in Concern Australia’s North West location, in the back streets of Braybrook, friends, family and supporters of the program gathered to celebrate its impact on the wider community and on the lives of its students. With the sun beaming down upon the event, attendees enthusiastically discussed the strides Hand Brake Turn has made throughout its years and eagerly shared their own experiences with others.
Attendees were welcomed to the event with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Wurundjeri Elder Ron Jones sharing stories of the Aboriginal history of Braybrook. Our board member, Kathleen Williams AM, The Hon. Katie Hall MP, Mayor Cr Martin Zakharov and Ambassadors Lauren and Justin Bowen gave speeches shining a light on the history of Hand Brake Turn and the importance of hands on programs like this that help empower young people.
The event was teeming with an enthusiastic energy as our gracious volunteers and staff started up the grill while guests enjoyed various activities such as Hub Cap Painting, children’s activities, face painting, God Squad’s CMC bikes on display, Vintage Car display, and history displays that served as a visual timeline of Hand Brake Turn’s 25-year long history and all of the lives touched by the program.
“Our point of difference is, and always has been, that we cater for young people who are disadvantaged, sometimes despondent, and those that often ‘fall through the cracks.’ of other services.” – Kathleen Williams AM
All of this merriment culminated in a riveting raffle drawn by the local Sunshine fire brigade with 20 prizes shared amongst attendees.
We would like to extend a special thanks to:
- Wurundjeri Elder Ron Jones
- The Hon. Katie Hall MP
- Mayor Cr Martin Zakharov
- Team Bowen Racing
- Board Member Kathleen Williams AM
Our Cars and Community events were a rousing success and the team at Hand Brake Turn are very grateful to have shared this monumental milestone with everyone who attended and contributed to these events – Hand Brake Turn certainly would not be the same without ongoing community support.