Namibia’s needy are set to benefit from the generosity of Southern Highlands residents with the imminent arrival of a shipping container of local bikes on its shores.
A total of 380 mountain bikes, five wheelchairs and a handful of walkers and crutches – which were donated by local residents – were refurbished, loaded and transported from Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Resource Recovery Centre by the Bundanoon based local branch of the Bikes for Humanity charity network with assistance from fellow volunteers from the Goulburn and Temora Men’s Shed.
Speaking at the official launch of the first full container to be issued from the Southern Highlands, Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Juliet Arkwright thanked the volunteers for their efforts.
“The volunteers of our local branch of Bikes for Humanity are to be congratulated for their tireless efforts in repairing these bicycles that will ultimately bring so much joy to those less fortunate than ourselves,” she said. “The Shire’s residents also deserve a huge pat on the back for getting behind this project and donating so many bicycles in such a short time.”
Southern Highlands Bikes for Humanity spokesperson Hans Radowitz said the group wasn’t resting on its laurels and were already aiming to fill another Council sponsored container.
“We accept all types of bikes but given the conditions they’ll be used in overseas, mountain bikes are the most sought after,” he said.
Apart from aiding in regional mobility the scheme also provides business opportunities for impoverished communities.
“The container that the bikes are shipped in is converted on arrival into a pre-fabricated workshop which continues to provide skills training, employment and business opportunities for the villages,” Mr Radowitz added.
In addition to bicycles, collapsible wheelchairs, crutches and walkers are also accepted.
In support of the scheme Wingecarribee Shire Council has allocated a container for collections at its Moss Vale–based Resource Recovery Centre.
Bicycles and wheelchairs can be dropped off free-of-charge at the Resource Recovery Centre during normal business hours.
For more information visit www.bikesforhumanity.com.au
