LAVERTON CYCLING PROJECT
The Laverton Cycling Project (LCP) is an established long-term, sustainable, community-governed cycling program for all community members in the Laverton shire and associated very remote areas, particularly for Indigenous youth.
Over the last six years, CDF have provided multiple successful initiatives including access to education, fitness, well-being testing, specific cycle training, bike maintenance skills, road safety training and participation in events relevant to cycling.
Importantly, both the participants and local stakeholders are very supportive and keen for the CDF’s LCP to continue and expand. Programs are offered for diverse community elements including both, youths and adults.
The CDF has been able to send coaching staff to Laverton every month to run cycling programs, with such programs having a measurable positive impact on the local community.
In collaboration with the Shire of Laverton we are building a traineeship that provides first-hand community work experience, and insight into project management and stakeholder engagement. This is a novel opportunity for young people to help deliver the LCP program, thereby also achieving long-term sustainability of the program through staff expansion and knowledge transfer. Initially, such coaches will be drawn from the CDF members and/or members of the local community.
There is also a strong stakeholder desire to expand the program to satellite towns in the greater Laverton shire including the Indigenous inhabited areas of Cosmo Newbery and Mulga Queen which has commenced in 2024. At present CDF is one of the only non-government organisations to service these remote communities regularly.
The CDF is eager to improve cycling infrastructure in the Laverton area via gazette cycling trails that take in the stunning countryside, traditional lore and culture, and historical elements that showcase the rich and diverse bush area.
In time, an ambitious plan exists to develop indigenous/disadvantaged youth in the sport of cycling and support them through the athlete development pathways with aspirations to attain professional cycling status.
LCP MEASURABLE POSITIVE IMPACTS
1. Increased school attendance & performance.
2. Reduction in juvenile crime.
3. Increased fitness – youth and adult.
4. Improved mood metrics.
5. Increased social engagement.
6. Services on average 25 youths and adults per month.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The LCP offers partners and corporations a modality to engage meaningfully with a remote at-risk community via Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks that can incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility mechanisms and Reconciliation Action Plans. The LCP facilitates these frameworks by delivering on several of the United Nationals Association of Australia Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; and sustainable cities and communities goals.
The LCP works closely with the Laverton stakeholder group, Laverton Shire, Youth Services, Pakannu Aboriginal Corporation, Laverton Cross Cultural Association, Emergency services, Regional Resource Companies, and other organisations to ensure goodness of fit throughout the community.
The LCP, along with the Laverton Stakeholder Group, has provided opportunities for youths to travel to Perth for cycling events, learning opportunities, Laverton First Nation art exhibitions, and occupational development opportunities which provide opportunities for individuals beyond cycling alone.
