BikeShed project bringing bike-share initiative to Palm Island

A special project initiated by selectability Townsville’s BikeShed is bringing a community “bike-share” program to those living on Palm Island.

Project Palm is a collaboration between selectability’s Townsville and Palm Island outlets and is working to build strong connections with the community, while raising awareness for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.

For the last three months members of the Townsville BikeShed located at 69 Charles Street have been working on the project, which has involved pulling apart old bicycles to refurbish – giving them a second chance.

BikeShed Coordinator Brett Oates said he was proud to be involved in the initiative.

“Our Townsville BikeShed members have been working hard to dismantle a range of bicycles, priming and painting the frames ready for stage one of Project Palm,” said Brett.

“The initial idea was to paint 50 bicycle frames and then take them over to Palm Island for the local youth to “art” up. After which they would then return to Townsville to be sealed and reassembled in working order.”

Those 50 frames made their way over to Palm last week and the community enthusiasm for the project has seen a slight change for stage two.

“The response we got from the community was beyond my personal expectations, the hype created was amazing! Any fear that the project may fall flat was definitely expelled.

“We held painting sessions and a barbecue lunch with over 30 school aged children coming along for the chance to paint up a frame.”

Previous plans for stage two of the project have now been reconsidered with those who attended wanting to get hands on and learn how to assemble the bikes themselves.

Palm Island Regional Coordinator Bradley Baker said the project had proved successful in showing the team that a BikeShed would be a welcome addition to selectability’s services on the Island.

“There is a strong framework in place to roll out the BikeShed program, however after this week’s community engagement session we are reconsidering how that will look.

“This initiative has proved that there is strong interest within the youth of Palm Island to get together to have fun and learn new skills.

“The day was a huge success with many young people enjoying putting their own stamp on the bike frames and enjoying a sausage sizzle lunch,” said Brad.

selectability would like to thank Marc and his team from PCYC, Dee Sailor and Henry from the Youth Program, CEQ for providing water and PIASC.

 You can find more information on the BikeShed program HERE