Yesterday saw the launch of a collaboration by Cessnock City Motor Group (CCMG) and PCYC, Project Rebuild.
Project Rebuild is an initiative of new dealership owners, Nerrida and Tim Kendall, designed to provide a career pathway for local youth who have not previously had the opportunity and support to gain qualifications or find employment.
“At the centre of the program are five local boys from Cessnock, all of whom are doing it tougher than most and fighting their own personal battles,” Nerrida said. “Project Rebuild aims to provide the group with mentoring and professional on-the job training to develop the trade skills and work processes necessary for them to be job-ready for employment in the motor industry.”
An old, wrecked Holden HZ ute unearthed by CCMG has been donated for the project and over the next four months the group will work on-site at the dealership to restore the vehicle to like-new condition.
Cessnock YCM Senior Constable Matt Ellis is passionate about Project Rebuild.
“It is a holistic crime prevention program designed to reduce crime amongst young offenders and youth at risk whilst they learn practical skills,” he said. “As they restore the vehicle we hope their focus will shift from one of committing crime to one of taking pride and ownership in the project and becoming a contributing member of our community.”
Cessnock City Motor Group is the major sponsor of Project Rebuild and is committed to its success and achieving long-term results for the boys involved. The dealership has provided the Rebuild Crew with team uniforms and new tools, along with a dedicated work bay specifically for Project Rebuild.
CCMGs senior service technicians, together with volunteers from Cessnock Lions Club and the Men’s Shed, are generously giving their time and sharing their experience to act as mentors for the team.
Nerrida believes strongly in the Program and what the boys will achieve
“While the program is designed to expose the boys to the motor industry and teach them new skills, it is their personal growth and development and willingness to reset their life path which is the real heart of the program. Two weeks in and I’m already so proud of the respect and commitment the boys are showing and their attitude to working as a team,” Nerrida continued.
“The old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is finding truth in this Project. As local companies are learning about the Project they are coming on board as sponsors. We’d like to specially thank Coalfields Classic Vehicle Restorations, Eastside Kustoms, Auto One Cessnock and MOB Engines.”
Project Rebuild will culminate in November 2016 with the auction of the Holden HZ Ute onsite at Cessnock City Motor Group. All proceeds from the auction will be reinvested back into Project Rebuild 2017 and Police led programs at Cessnock PCYC.
