Heartfelt thanks to the crew at Channel 7's The Great Day Out for featuring this story about TRACTION on the show last night.

It's a privilege, a lot of fun and plenty of learning being part of the TRACTION team, and support that helps get the word out about what we're doing to help empower young people in need is fantastic.

Click on the image below to watch the show on YouTube, or click here to see and share the Facebook version
Click here to see the short, promo version.

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Six TRACTION participants from Clairvaux MacKillop College, aged between 12-15 years, were treated to a special visit from Brisbane members of business network Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (“EO”) last Friday.

The event was the initiative of Belinda Vesey-Brown, CEO of local strategic creative agency Brio Group, who as part of her 40th birthday celebrations in 2017 is paying it forward with 40 acts of kindness in the community. Joining her at TRACTION were four other EO members and business owners, Gerard Murtagh, Rohan Wood, Geordie Skinner and John Williamson.

There were special guests aplenty as the visit by EO members coincided with Benieka and Sarah from Equity Trustees dropping by the Moorooka workshop to see the TRACTION program in full flight.

The students from Clairvaux MacKillop are engaged in the TRACTION Bicycle Build program, which provides the chance for participants to refurbish a bicycle donated from the community over an eight to ten week period as part of their school curriculum. Students get to experience a sense of success, build confidence and develop practical, team and interpersonal skills.

Students showed the five EO members how they are progressing with their bike build projects. A bit like ‘speed dating’, students got the chance to spend time with each guest, with conversations flowing back and forth over the workshop bench. The visit provided the opportunity for a little mentoring, as the guests shared some of their life stories, including challenges overcome and lessons learnt.

The students presented each visitor with a TRACTION cap as a gesture of thanks, with Kasey, the Team Leader on the day, making the formal presentation.

It’s wonderful when the business community gets behind TRACTION. Participants feel like the people are taking an interest in them and care about the futures they are building for themselves. So well received were these special guests that students declared them “COOL AS!”.

Heartfelt thanks to the EO team and Equity Trustees visitors for giving so generously of their time. A particular thanks to those that provided their impressions on video - please see below.

If you would like to get involved with TRACTION, please Contact Us or visit our Support Us page to find out more about the help we need.

It was awesome to have Nick and Adam from the Capalaba store of national bicycle retail group 99 Bikes visit  TRACTION today. Experienced bicycle technicians and shop managers, the pair shared how they'd forged successful careers in the growing business, started in Brisbane and now with stores throughout the country.

Six lucky year 7, 8 & 9 students from Wellington Point State High School, currently participating in the TRACTION Bicycle Build program, were amongst the first to hear about new Bicycle Mechanic Apprenticeship opportunities launched recently by 99 Bikes. The company will be recruiting aspiring bicycle mechanics and supporting them through a rigorous training program under the expert supervision of 99 Bikes staff.

The TRACTION Bicycle Build program provides the chance for students to refurbish a bicycle donated from the community over an eight to ten week period as part of their school curriculum. Students get to experience a sense of success, build confidence and develop practical, team and interpersonal skills.

Students showed Nick and Adam how they are progressing with their own bike builds at TRACTION and asked questions about their experience in the industry, including how Nick got so many "jerseys" on his name badge.

Support from the business community is appreciated and helps TRACTION participants get a better understanding about what is required to be successful in the workplace and to build their own future.

99 Bikes have been avid supporters of the TRACTION program since it kicked off in 2015. In 2016, 84 new bikes were donated to TRACTION (Read More) and stores (like Browns Plains) across Southeast Queensland routinely provide second-hand bikes that have been donated by their customers to TRACTION for participants to work on as projects.

Visit the team at 99 Bikes Capalaba:
Web: www.99bikes.com.au/capalaba-bike-shop
Address: 1 Moreton Bay Rd, Capalaba
Phone: (07) 3156 2499

Click on the image below to read our eNews 20.

​Accounting and advisory group Pitcher Partners has thrown its support behind non-profit community program TRACTION through a new sponsorship agreement.

The national advisory’s Brisbane office has committed to an initial three-year engagement with TRACTION, a community program that aims to empower young people to a better future.

Brett Headrick, a partner at Pitcher Partners, said while TRACTION was one of many community programs supported by the group there was no greater cause than nurturing the young to strive for achievement.

“The philosophy behind TRACTION is very much at the core of our own corporate culture to care for our staff, clients and community,” Mr Headrick said.

“The TRACTION program is very much about empowering young people in need and helping them build their own positive futures, so we are particularly thrilled to be supporting this worthy community program.”

The sponsorship will involve Pitcher Partners making an annual cash donation to support TRACTION’s programs.

A second pillar of the firm’s support will involve an annual Alumni Bike Ride for Pitcher Partners’ staff, former staff and families. The annual event is aimed at both raising funds for TRACTION and engaging the Pitcher Partners team with the community program.

Pictured above: Sandy Murdoch and Leroy Butler (TRACTION); Karen Levine and Brett Headrick (PITCHER PARTNERS)

TRACTION founder Sandy Murdoch has welcomed the much-needed support from the high-profile firm.

“We are extremely grateful for the sponsorship commitment from Pitcher Partners and their faith in the work we do,” Mr Murdoch said.

“Support from the business community makes a significant difference to the sustainability of the TRACTION program and helps ensure that we continue to make a difference in the lives of young people in need.”

Pitcher Partners has a well-established reputation in supporting local community initiatives and forging long-standing relationships.

In committing its support to TRACTION over the next three years, the firm aims to not only support the organisation but also help it grow.

“It’s definitely a two-way street from our perspective, because through community events we create a valued opportunity for our staff and their families to get together and to support a worthy cause at the same time,” Mr Headrick said.

The annual Pitcher Partners Alumni Bike Ride is expected to become a focal point on TRACTION’s annual events calendar with funds raised through ticket sales to be matched by the firm and donated to TRACTION.

“The event will help get the word out about the program and, who knows, maybe even see some of the staff from Pitcher Partners volunteering from time to time as mentors or helping participants with their bike projects,” Mr Murdoch said.

Pitcher Partners has gained an enviable reputation for developing long-term relationships with its clients due to its solid understanding of their businesses and the industries in which they operate. 

Pitcher Partners is a national corporation of independent firms with offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Newcastle.

The Brisbane office has been operating in the Queensland market for the last 40 years and has developed an extensive understanding of local business.

TRACTION is expanding and is always on the hunt for new volunteers and supporters. For further information please visit www.traction.community

TRACTION took part in Bicycle Queensland’s “Ride2Work Day” this morning where commuters were rewarded for hopping on their bikes and riding to work! Cyclists were treated to a free breakfast at the Law Courts Plaza on George Street in the CBD. The event encourages people to ride to work and join the cycling community and for regular commuters to enjoy a relaxed breakfast with hundreds of fellow riders.

TRACTION Mentors Richard, Baxter, Mark and Sandy were delighted to meet the community to showcase TRACTION. Thanks to those that registered interest in volunteering with TRACTION and for committing to donate their old bikes for participants to work on!

ABOUT BICYCLE QUEENSLAND

Bicycle Queensland is a non-profit, community and advocacy organisation promoting safe, everyday bicycle riding. BQ meets regularly with politicians and planners to persuade them to improve cycling facilities in Queensland. BQ also advises government engineers on suitable designs for cycling facilities. BQ supports programs encouraging cycling and making cycling more accessible to potential cyclists.
BQ is membership based – more members mean a bigger voice for cycling – join us today.
Click here for more info

ABOUT BIKE WEEK

Bike Week is an annual cycling festival which features a range of events – both on and off the bike – making it the largest cycling festival in Queensland! This annual celebration of cycling has been held every year since the early 1990’s, and is organised by Bicycle Queensland who pedal the message of getting more people cycling more often.  Bike Week exists in order to encourage people of all ages, sizes and cycling abilities to get into the saddle by offering a packed schedule of events during the week. So whether you’re a recreational rider wanting to socialise with like-minded bike riders, a regular rider wanting to participate in some more challenging events, or if you haven’t been on a bike for years and want to test the theory that you can’t ever forget how to ride a bike, Bike Week offers something for you!
Click here for more info

Fantastic to have Glenala State High School part of the TRACTION program. The first students started the Bike Build program at the Moorooka workshop last week.

Success Coach James Brewer joined the students and their first day. Mentors Rob and Mark enjoyed the day with the students, showing them the workshop and introducing them to their first bike projects. Participants stripped and re-assembled BMX bikes donated to TRACTION by retail group 99 Bikes for TRACTION to use for training purposes.

Glenala SHS is one of eight schools and community groups participating in TRACTION programs at the Moorooka workshop and the four students join 24 others getting into their projects each week.

We're excited to have Marsden State High School part of the TRACTION program. The first students started the Bike Build program at the Moorooka workshop recently.

Mentors Rob, Dale and John have been enjoying time with the students, showing them the workshop and introducing them to their first bike projects. The first task for participants was to strip and re-assemble BMX bikes donated to TRACTION by retail group 99 Bikes for TRACTION to use for training purposes.

Marsden SHS is one of eight schools and community groups participating in TRACTION programs at the Moorooka workshop and the three students from Marsden join 24 others getting into their projects each week.

We’re delighted to welcome Clairvaux MacKillop College as a new school to join TRACTION.

The first students started participating in the Bicycle Build program at the Moorooka workshop last week.

Mentors Rob and Karl enjoyed the day with the students, showing them the workshop and introducing them to their first bike projects. Participants stripped and re-assembled BMX bikes donated to TRACTION by retail group 99 Bikes for TRACTION to use for training purposes. 

Clairvaux MacKillop College is one of eight schools and community groups participating in TRACTION programs at the Moorooka workshop and the six students join 24 others getting into their projects each week.

​Wellington Point State High School has joined the TRACTION program and its first students attended our Capalaba workshop last Friday to participate in the Bicycle Build program.

Mentors Simon, Dale and Sara were delighted to spend the day with the students, showing them the workshop and introducing them to their first bike projects. Participants stripped and re-assembled BMX bikes donated to TRACTION by retail group 99 Bikes for TRACTION to use for training purposes. 

Wellington Point High is the sixth school to weigh into the program at Capalaba and the six students join 24 others participating in TRACTION at “Shed 27” each week.