Bikes Mwerre has partnered with Our Community Shed and the Juno Skills Centre to deliver a six-month pilot youth bike program in Tennant Creek, located in the Barkly Region of the Northern Territory. Tennant Creek is a regional hub that supports many surrounding remote communities, making it an important place to create opportunities for young people through bikes.
A key partner in making this program possible is Revolve Recycling, who support Bikes Mwerre’s programs by donating recycled bikes for repair, refurbishment and distribution to young people and communities. These donations give bikes a second life while helping Bikes Mwerre provide access to transport, recreation, hands-on learning and practical skill development. Through this partnership, recycled bikes become a valuable resource for creating positive change and responding to the needs of young people in remote communities.
Across three visits during the April school holidays and Terms 2 and 3, Bikes Mwerre has successfully delivered a range of activities, including bike-fixing sessions, bike-riding activities, afterschool programs and in-school bike mechanics classes.
We have successfully delivered across three visits during April School Holidays and Terms 2 and 3 of school:
bike fixing sessions, bike riding sessions, afterschool activities and in school bike mechanics classes.
Repaired and gifted 50 bikes to young people during afterschool activities
Set up and stocked with tools and bike parts, a functional and practical workshop space at Our Community Shed
Recognised and up-skilled 5 adults who can volunteer and deliver bike fixing sessions at Our Community Shed during our visits
Established ongoing consultation with community members, young people and stakeholders in Tennant Creek about the future of the program in the community
Key outcomes of the program
290 participants - active, engaged young people utilising bikes for transport and recreation
50 bikes distributed and gifted
33 bikes repaired in community
Established relationships in community and with stakeholders in the Barkly Region.
“[we want] bigger bikes, [to build] bike tracks, jumps, [regular activities] on weekends and afternoons” Kayden, 10, Program Participant.
“The need in the Barkly Region is high. Through partnerships, donations, grants and sponsorships, together we have made this program happen. Continuing to amplify community voices (adults and young people) to secure long term funding will be the next step to deliver and provide what young people are asking for ” Alice, Bikes Mwerre Program Coordinator
Next Steps
As the first six months of the pilot program come to an end, Bikes Mwerre begins planning and preparing for Barkly Region and Tennant Creek programming for 2027. This includes securing additional funding to bridge the budget gap and continuing consultation with community members and stakeholders to ensure the program reflects the needs and priorities of Tennant Creek.
With ongoing support from partners, including Revolve Recycling, Bikes Mwerre aims to continue providing recycled bikes, practical bike mechanics training and regular riding activities in the Barkly Region in 2027. The next phase will focus on keeping young people engaged, active and connected, creating safe spaces for social interaction, developing practical skills and supporting stronger engagement in school.
The longer-term vision is to build a sustainable, community-supported program where local people have the skills, equipment and resources to continue bike activities between Bikes Mwerre visit
What does it mean to have a bike?
“My name is Amariah Anderson and I like to ride bikes with the lil homiez and this is all my friends and family and we all like to ride bikes everywhere and this is how we roll.”
Amariah helping repair a flat tyre for another young person.
Get in touch
If you are a business or corporation who would like to invest in a community program, please get in touch.
Contact manager@bikesmwerre.org or alice@bikesmwerre.org
*Bikes in the Barkly, the Tennant Creek Community Youth Bike Pilot Program has been funded through NTG Barkly Youth Activities Grant, Australian Sports Foundation campaign, partnerships and sponsorships.