Bikes
Mwerre
Gearing positive outcomes for youth & community in the Central Desert Region
Bikes Mwerre recognises the unceded land of Mparntwe/ Alice Springs. We pay respects to the Arrernte People, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, ride and learn. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future
Bikes Mwerre recognises the unceded land of Mparntwe/ Alice Springs. We pay respects to the Arrernte People, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, ride and learn. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and future
Bikes Mwerre = Arrernte for “Bikes are great”
is a community bicycle program that engages young people in bike riding, fixing, activities and community events - with the aims of increasing youth engagement, wellbeing, and reducing youth offending & mental health concerns.
what we do
From regular workshop sessions to action-packed school holiday programs, BIkes Mwerre serves the local Mparntwe community in fun and engaging ways that promote health and positive recreation. But of course - there's more to it than that.
We work with local communities to identify and realise goals that empower individuals to overcome social disadvantage, while addressing the barriers and providing support through asset creation and peer mentoring. Through forming relationships and using tools for engagement to learn from and amplify local voices, Bikes Mwerre creates opportunities and paths toward brighter futures.
our story
Bikes Mwerre is a community bike program, delivered in Larapinta and surrounding areas. Originally suggested by a Larapinta Dad, this idea has been further workshopped in depth with families and the Larapinta community who are supportive of activities such as this being available for children and their families.
A partnership was developed with the Larapinta Child and Family Centre and Bikes Palya - the indigenous community development program delivered by Bicycle South Australia, SA’s peak body for recreational cycling. Since 2003, Bikes Palya has delivered remote community engagement programs, using bikes to promote healthier communities, school engagement attendance and diversionary programs in high-risk holiday periods.
Bikes Palya partnered with Larapinta community to establish and deliver a bike program over two years. Over this time the program has successfully brought children and families together, embedded cycling in the community through a mix of intergenerational community workshops and events as well as targeted engagement through workshops mentoring youth through the rebuilding of donated bicycles that are gifted to the participant and younger community members upon completion.
In2023, following this establishment phase, Bikes Mwerre was born: a local, dedicated program to serve the Mparntwe community. The program is based locally, and delivered in partnership with organisations based in and around Alice Springs with ambitions to grow the reach and impact of the highly effective community development model Bikes Mwerre has become.
