The PM took the time to meet the TRACTION participants, talk with them about their progress in the program and was presented with a TRACTION T-shirt and cap as a gesture of thanks. He even posed for some selfies with the TRACTION crew!

​TRACTION’s Boom Box Youth Engagement program is the latest initiative designed to empower young people in need, helping them discover their talents and create their own future, from the Brisbane charity run under the auspices of the Briswest Care Association. As an alternative learning program, it’s designed to engage students who experience multiple barriers to education.

TRACTION was selected by a local judging panel comprising local business, community and CUA representatives, including Stephanie Morris from the Chamber of Commerce and Jason Fiddes, Pastor at the Gateway Baptist Church.

It was one of 19 community organisations in the Redlands community that applied for a grant from CUA Capalaba, as part of CUA’s Mutual Good Community Grants Program. Under the program, grassroots not-for-profit organisations with big ideas for improving the quality of life of socially disadvantaged Australians were encouraged to apply for a share in almost $200,000 in funding being offered through CUA branches across Australia.

CUA Capalaba branch manager Barbara Arnall presented TRACTION founder and program director Sandy Murdoch with the funds at a special presentation on Wednesday.

Mr Murdoch said the program came about due to TRACTION’s ongoing liaison with its 20 partner schools in the region where it identified a high level need for more practical and innovative ways to engage students who experience multiple barriers to education that often see them “falling through the cracks.”

“We’re thrilled to accept this CUA Mutual Good Community Grant,” Mr Murdoch said.

“With these funds, we can develop the curriculum and deliver a new TRACTION experience called the ‘Boom Box’ program, which will see participants learn about electronics and fabricate their own Bluetooth-enabled speakers made from old army ammunition boxes, recycled e-waste and 3D-printed components,” he said.

“We look forward to delivering this exciting new program which will join our very successful Bicycle Build and Small Engines programs.”

CUA Capalaba is one of 19 CUA branches across Australia offering grants in this second round of the program. Mrs Arnall said the grant application process highlighted the great work being done by not-for-profit and community organisations in the Redlands area.

“We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to award this grant to TRACTION, which provides young people in our community the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Mrs Arnall said.

“The Mutual Good Community Grants Program is an example of how CUA works together with our members for mutual good. By collaborating with local organisations, we can help build a stronger community for everyone.”

TRACTION delivered its second 1-day Bike Build workshop at Yarrabilba on Friday 4th May for 6 young people from the local community. Part of a series of 3 workshops made possible  through a community development grant from Lend Lease and Bendigo Bank, the workshop once again provided the chance for participants to have fun whilst learning new skills and making new friends. 

Yarrabilba is a new masterplanned residential community in the Logan region that will ultimately be home for 50,000 residents. Significant investment is being made into infrastructure like schools and community sporting facilities. 

The TRACTION workshop provided an experience that the participants will never forget. Not only did the participants learn about bikes, they built practical and life skills in a work-like environment.

Special thanks to TRACTION Mentors Karl and Jay for leading the day and supporting the participants as they built their Academy BMX bikes.

The 3rd of the series of workshops will be held on 15th June. Click the button below to register.

Click HERE to read more about the 1st workshop.