Youngsters design new bike racks
A new project in Paraburdoo aims to engage local youth through workshops to design new bike racks for the town.
Children from the local youth centre have designed five bike racks that are functional, appealing and represent the youth of the Pilbara town.
The bike racks will be produced by the Paraburdoo Men's Shed and installed during April.
Shire president Kerry White said the collaboration would bring great benefits to the community.
"We are excited to see the end design and for these new bike racks to become a functioning part of the Paraburdoo landscape," she said.
"Engaging youth via an innovative and creative project is a wonderful opportunity, and we applaud the teamwork that will bring this to fruition."
Rio Tinto manager mobile equipment maintenance Karl Hackett said the new bike racks were one of many community projects undertaken by Rio Tinto and the Shire of Ashburton to make Paraburdoo a nicer place to live.
"These bike racks aren't just your boring steel bike racks, they are different shapes and colours designed by kids at the youth centre," he said.
"It is so important too for local youth to be involved with this project as they will be the end-users of the product and it gives the kids a sense of responsibility."
Jake Carrison, 16, said the project provided a good opportunity for youth to give something back to the community.
"My bike rack design will be in the shape of a cricket wicket and will be placed next to the cricket pitch," he said.
"It's nice to do something for the town and good to support the local youth centre.
"We all love it down here."
Mr Hackett said a side-benefit was the potential to encourage further partnerships between the Men's Shed and the community.
"Creating opportunities for the Para Men's Shed to contribute to community projects is so important in a town where you have a relatively high FIFO workforce," he said.
