Community-Driven Car Project Powers Futures For Local Youth

A donated car restored by Mackay engineering students has found a new home with local youth support organisation YIRS One Stop Youth Shop, marking another milestone in a community-driven automotive initiative that blends training, purpose, and giving back.

The project, now in its third year at CQUniversity's Mackay Engineering College, gives students hands-on experience refurbishing vehicles destined for non-profits.

Automotive trainer Simon Korneliussen said this particular vehicle had been through “an awful lot” of work after being donated by one of their sponsors, Banksbury Wreckers.

“We actually got this from Banksbury Wreckers... it had very low kilometres, and I could see through the mould and the dust and the dirt that it could be a good little car,” Mr Korneliussen said.

“The students really got a lot to do with this car over the last year. We had the whole interior out and replaced the air-conditioning evaporator, which AAM helped us diagnose that issue.”

With around 50 students across four classes, the program is designed to provide real-world training and encourage apprenticeships.

“That’s our whole aim… getting students into apprenticeships. Most of the guys here really enjoy the automotive industry,” Mr Korneliussen said.

He added that community donations are always welcome, particularly vehicles that provide learning opportunities.

“The more the students have to work on, the more they learn,” he said.

With support from Repco, AAM, and others, the project continues to grow, with car number seven already in the pipeline.

“If any non-profit is looking for a free car, they’re more than welcome to contact the college,” Mr Korneliussen said.

For Year 11 student Liam Thompson, working on the vehicle was both a challenge and a stepping stone.

“It feels pretty good helping out, donating it to someone who needs it,” Liam said.

He says his favourite part about the  project has been taking the dash off and fixing the aircon

“Putting the dash back on was pretty tedious, but it was a good learning experience. I’m pretty proud of it.”

Liam, who attends Mackay State High School, said the program confirmed his interest in pursuing a career in the automotive field.

“I always thought it was interesting working on cars, and now I’ve had the experience… I’m really happy to get accepted into a program like this.”

The refurbished car was donated to YIRS One Stop Youth Shop, where frontline staffer Chris Martin said it would be used to support young people aged 12 to 21 who may be disengaged from school or family support.

“This car will go towards case management, helping them get their hours up on their learner’s, and just running them around to appointments and things they need to do for our program,” Mr Martin said.

“We’re really happy, and we were quite surprised when we found out we would receive this car.

“Even the young people we work with were really excited to see it and use it.”

Mackay Chamber of Commerce Communications Manager Ellen Madden said the organisation plays a behind-the-scenes role in connecting donated vehicles with worthy recipients.

“It’s so lovely to be able to do it,” Ms Mawden said.

“We’re fortunate that we see a lot of the good work not-for-profits do in the community, and our job is just to connect people with the vehicles.”

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A donated car restored by Mackay students has been gifted to YIRS, supporting youth and community.

Mackay State High School Year 11 Student, Liam Thompson. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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