By Aaron Cordy
FREEDOM of movement is a simple thing most people take for granted, with roughly 91 per cent of Australian households owning at least one vehicle. In a regional town as large as Shepparton, getting from one side of town without a car for work or study can be tough. That is why a simple gift of a bike can make a world of difference to someone in need.
Victoria Police Shepparton, in conjunction with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton (EC), generously donated several unclaimed bikes. With the support of the Shepparton Central Rotary Club and the expertise of Brett Lancaster from Leading Edge Cycles, the bikes were repaired and ready for use, then given to new students from the Shepparton English Language Centre (SELC).
“It’s important to help the new arrivals, especially when they come to the new country with the cost of living and everything,” said Ramzan Khair Ali of SELC.
“It’s hard for them, especially with young ones, because it takes a long time to get their license. So, a bike is the only way to support them to get from one place to the other place. This is only one way of helping the new arrivals to settle in a new country.”
The Rotary Club of Shepparton Central President Allen Gale was full of praise for EC CEO Sam Atukorala, who is also a member of Rotary, for bringing them the initiative.
“This is one of the many things that Sam, who’s a member of our club, is doing for the community here and elsewhere. We at Shepparton Central Club are proud to have him as a member. He’s the man who does all the work,” said Allen.
SELC is part of St. George’s Road Primary School and has helped many new arrivals settle into Australian life.
“We believe that these collaborative efforts of the community in supporting newcomers will have a positive impact on the lives of the young students from SELC who received these bikes, providing them not only with a means of transportation but also promoting active lifestyles,” said Ethnic Council CEO Sam Atukorala.
