Cars For Community Initiative Transforms Wrecks Into Wonders

Grade eleven and twelve Students from Mackay North State High School have undertaken an ambitious project at Mackay Engineering College to restore cars, transforming vehicles that would otherwise be sent to the wreckers into fully functional cars ready for community use.

This initiative has seen significant support from local businesses who have generously donated their time, parts and services to the project.

Repco Mackay has been a major supporter of this cause after jumping on board for the second year, supplying the necessary parts for the student repairers. Angelique Mackey, Assistant Store Manager at Repco stated, “We supply anything from oil, lighting, brakes, steering components, leaf springs and anything they need, really.

“Repco provides as many parts as we can to get the cars up and running.

“We found that it was a really great opportunity to support something local that is really beneficial for a non-profit organisation.”

Simon Korneliussen, an automotive trainer assessor at the college, teaches automotive pathways for students.

“Today is the second launch of our Cars for Community program, where we fix up and donate cars to not-for-profit organisations.

“We’re able to access these cars to give students a greater range of experience and every car comes in with a different set of problems to fix, so it’s a lot of work for them to learn from.”

Through a grant from Major Training, the college purchased a couple of cars, including a Ford Territory and a Mitsubishi Lancer, which needed extensive repairs. From timing chain issues to suspension problems and oil leaks, these cars were initially undrivable and unroadworthy.

Thanks to Repco's sponsorship, all necessary parts were provided, allowing students to learn and ultimately produce cars that are as good as new for organisations that need it the most.
Once applications are finalised, Cars for Community will equip the chosen organisations with a suitable car.

Kathy Sullivan, Centre Manager of Mount Pleasant and representative of Mackay Regional Chamber of Commerce, emphasised community involvement, stating that “The community can get involved by registering through the Chamber of Commerce or contacting Ellen via phone or email to fill out a simple form. It’s a really easy process.”

Ryan Meads, a student involved in the project, shared his learning experience: “We’re doing a lot of internal work like cleaning up the inside, as well as engine work, such as finding oil leaks and ensuring everything runs smoothly.”

Although Ryan is considering a career in the marine industry, he acknowledges that this initiative has expanded his skills and opened up potential pathways in the automotive industry.

“When I first started, I only knew how to drain oil, but now I know how to pull apart and replace parts on a car,” he said.

Ryan encourages other students interested in the automotive industry, stating, “you’ll end up gaining a lot of knowledge.

“You learn a lot about everything and knowing that you put in a lot of work and really helped out to benefit someone else who will use it down the track is a really good feeling,” he remarked.

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Grade eleven and twelve Mackay students participated in the Cars for Community initiative, where they gain knowledge and skills while also repairing and restoring cars that will eventually be donated to non-for-profit organisations in the region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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