Joseph Tierney

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Happy One Year Anniversary Nathan

Nathan's Journey to Sustainable Employment and Personal Growth with Good Cycles

Nathan, a high school graduate, struggled to find sustainable work. After leaving high school, he was in a vicious cycle of inconsistent work and an unstable income. Determined to work and make himself more employable, he tried extra study and working in different industries, but Nathan’s struggle continued and still faced barriers to employment . His life took a positive turn when he joined Good Cycles in our Open Spaces division.

Welcome to Good Cycles

In June of last year, Nathan learned about Good Cycles through Djerriwarrh, an employment support organisation that helped Nathan refine his CV and introduced him to our Open Spaces team. Through Open Spaces, Good Cycles created a range of new gardening and mowing job opportunities and welcomed Nathan for an interview. From the get-go, our “relaxed and welcoming” interview process made him feel at ease, and Nathan was offered a gardening role at Good Cycles, joining our Youth Employment Program.

Social Impact via the Youth Employment Program

Our Youth Employment Program is designed to support people in Nathan’s position with coaching and skills development alongside real-world work experience. One of the key aspects of the program is Nathan’s weekly check-ins with Jordan – one of Good Cycles’ youth employment coaches. These sessions allow Jordan and Nathan to set work goals and then apply the relevant training or coaching required. Currently, Jordan is supporting Nathan’s application for a Cert III in Horticulture at Kangan Institute.

"(Working at Good Cycles has) not only provided me with a stable source of income but also a sense of purpose and personal growth”.

Nathan, Good Cycles Open Spaces team member

12 Months On

Maintaining employment for 6 months is a significant milestone for people who have faced barriers to employment. In June 2023, we’re proud to celebrate Nathan’s one year anniversary with Good Cycles. His team members have seen growth in his communication and teamwork skills and have also witnessed his personal efforts to develop consistent routines. Through his commitment, Nathan has found independence, financial stability, and the means to “treat himself”.

Nathan hopes to continue his career with the gardening team at Good Cycles and work towards operating large machinery such as mowers and tractors.

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Sustainable Employment

Nathan’s journey to sustainable employment with Good Cycles highlights the importance of creating meaningful jobs within a safe and inclusive workplace. Nathan has acquired new skills, certifications and more importantly, a sense of belonging. He added that his experience with the team and Jordan has “provided him with a stable source of income and a sense of purpose and personal growth”.

Nathan’s dedication to his job has not gone unnoticed. His manager, Brett, has praised him for his reliability, for never being late to work, and for never missing a day since he started.

“I love my job with Good Cycles, it has allowed me to see myself in the future and gain the qualifications needed to get there.” ~ Nathan

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The Good Cycles Goldsbrough Lane Clearance Sale is on NOW!

Good Cycles Goldsbrough Lane CLEARANCE SALE is HAPPENING NOW!

It’s not often we have a sale, but when we do, we go to TOWN! That’s why our CBD store is gearing up for its BIGGEST sale ever. Over 2 days, we’ll be spruiking the best specials we’ve ever had on selected bikes, e-bikes, and parts and accessories.

We’ll have bikes and e-bikes from brands including Norco, Merida, and Focus, with some VERY attractive discounts on popular gravel bikes, as well as some red hot deals on road and mountain bikes.

In the market for a bike to get you about from A to B, or perhaps something that you can swiftly get around on for commuting or fitness riding? We’ve got those deals covered too!

It’s not just bikes and e-bikes in this sale. We’ll have huge savings on helmets, Shimano road and MTB shoes, gloves, and bags, to name a few!

 

• UP TO 50% OFF Bikes!
• UP TO 40% OFF E-bikes!
• UP TO 50% OFF parts & accessories!

 

We also have:

• 50% off table featuring Schwalble foldable road tyres, selected clothing, Cygo lights, grips, bar tape, & more!

• Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700c tyres from $60 (were $85)

• 50% off Selected Schwalbe tyres

• 40% off selected Lazer helmets

• 20% off Shimano shoes

 

• 20% off PRO components including gravel bikepacking bags, handlebars & seatposts

 

• 20% off all Pearl Izumi, including knicks, gloves, & socks

• Used handlebars (drops & straights), seat posts, and saddles starting at $5!

 

 Want to know if we have something in your size or budget? Give us a call! 03 9041 5713

 

When:

It’s happening NOW!
 

Where:

Goldsbrough Village -Shop TG23, Goldsbrough La, Melbourne VIC 3000

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>> Click here to go to the Facebook event page <<

Our CBD store is located in Goldsbrough Village, accessible from the corner of Little Burke & William Street

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Good Cycles delivers its 2022 Impact Report

Good Cycles Impact Snapshot 2022: Creating Positive Change

We are thrilled to share our Impact Snapshot for 2022. Despite the challenges that we all faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, we remained steadfast in our mission to reduce barriers to employment and have managed strong growth to create more job opportunities and impact than ever.

Youth Employment Program (YEP): Empowering 36 Young People

It was a big year for our Youth Employment Program (YEP) with over 23,000 hours of work conducted across 36 YEP participants.

Our YEP provides individual coaching support, skills development and training, and real-world work experience to young people facing barriers to employment, such as insecure housing, mental health challenges, and other forms of socioeconomic and socio-cultural disadvantage.

Our impact data shows how we are able to empower a diverse group of young individuals by unlocking aspirations and supporting them in their transition toward secure employment pathways

See our Impact report online, or click below to download the report:

Download report

Of course, we can only do this thanks to our amazing staff and our commercial, philanthropic, academic and governmental partners who support us in our commitment to impact and social enterprise.

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Good Cycles has launched our newest shop in Brunswick

We’d like to send out a BIG thank you to everyone who came down to our Brunswick store launch on Friday 31st March to help give our newest store an official ‘Welcome’!

We felt well and truly welcomed amidst the @nightingale.housing Villiage precinct. Thanks to our friends, supporters, and local residents for bringing the festive cheer.

If you’re yet to check out our Brunswick store, it’s located on Duckett Street, Brunswick, easily found by bike along the Upfield Bike path. Feel free to poke your head in and say ‘Hi’. We’re open Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Special shout out to @ymca_rebuild and @wood.beast for their awesome talents in getting our retail and workshop space fitted out, and to locals @verygoodfalafel and @thebakersblock_brunswick for providing us with some amazing eats on the night!

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A big thank you to our embers, supporters & friends who came along and helped us celebrate the opening of our Brunswick store!

Initially opening our doors in late December 2022, we’ve since been busy completing the fit out and merchandising our newest store.
A massive thank you to social enterprise YMCA ReBuild and fellow Brunswick locals, WOODBEAST who’ve been instrumental in fitting out our shop and workshop areas with custom cabinetry and counters.
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The poster for the launch event

Our new store is conveniently located along the Upfield bike path,  next to the Upfield train line

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Introducing Kirra Johnson, Acting CEO of Good Cycles

Kirra Johnson

We have some exciting news to share with our Good Cycles community! As of March 1, Kirra Johnson, our passionate and talented head of impact and innovation, is stepping up as our Acting CEO while Jaison Hoernel takes a well-earned three-month sabbatical as part of the SILA leadership program.

Jaison expressed his full confidence in Kirra’s ability to lead the organisation during his absence, saying, “I am very proud that I get to leave Good Cycles in capable hands. I am thankful that Kirra Johnson will be Acting CEO, and even more grateful to the entire team who will support them and the people that we have most impact on.“

Kirra is equally thrilled about the opportunity to serve as Acting CEO and deepen her understanding of our organisation from a new perspective. “I wanted to share how excited I am to be stepping into the Acting CEO role while Jaison is away,” she said. “To gain an understanding that will enhance strategic leadership of impact as we grow.”

Kirra brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Acting CEO role. She has played a crucial role in developing and delivering our programs, including the Youth Employment Program. Her leadership has also been critical in measuring and reporting on our impact, building a culture of accountability and transparency. 

As Acting CEO, Kirra will have close support from her leadership team, Sarah Stevenson and Adam Lana and will also be working with the board and staff to start implementing our our new strategic vision.

“We are thrilled to have Kirra step up as Acting CEO during Jaison’s sabbatical,” said Lucinda Makrakis, Co-Chair of our board. “Kirra’s passion for our mission, her deep knowledge of the organisation and her leadership skills make her the ideal person to lead us during this important period.”

With Kirra at the helm, we’re confident that we’ll continue creating job opportunities for young people in Melbourne and beyond. We’re grateful for Jaison’s leadership and excited to support Kirra as she leads us forward. Join us in welcoming Kirra Johnson as our Acting CEO!

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Soma custom bike builds

Abby's Soma Wolverine build

What drew you to build this bike up, with the parts you’ve used?

I’ve always wanted a Soma bike and after getting the fork originally for a different build I decided to also build the frame up. Originally, I build it up with the group set from my old commuter bike, a 1x GRX Di2 setup. But soon after using the bike a bunch more, especially loaded up as a bike packing setup I decided to go down the 12 speed MTB setup. The wheels were custom built as I wanted to have my own set of custom wheels. I also have a 27.5” wheelset for it, but sadly due to stock shortages no cassette for it.

 

Was there a particular intention for this custom build?

I wanted to build a super versatile bike that could be used for both commuting and bikepacking.

 

Having built it up, is there anything further you wish to change or experiment with?

For now, I’m loving it and it’s feeling super perfect, the only thing I’m going to add is a basket to the front rack

 

Any particular rides you’d like to do with the bike, or have already done?

I’m planning out a multi-day bikepacking trip out west of Gisborne ending at my partner Eve’s Mum’s house. I’ve also just had way too much fun riding this thing through mud

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Frame
Soma Wolverine V4 Type-A

Fork
Soma Unicrown 15x100mm

Rims
DT Swiss G540 (700c) or DT Swiss EX471 (27.5”)

Hubs
DT Swiss 350

Tires
Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x38c or Vittoria Mezcal 27.5×2.25”/2.1”

Handlebars
Surly Moloko

Headset
Cane Creek 40

Crankset
Shimano XT M8100 (175mm) w/ 36T chainring

Pedals
Shimano PD-M9120

Cassette
Shimano XT M8100 10-51

Derailleur
Shimano SLX M7100

Brakes
Shimano M8100 Brakes

Shifter(s)
Shimano XT M8100

Saddle
Brook B17 Honey

Seatpost
Thomson Elite Offset 27.2mm

Stem
Thomson X4 90mm

Frame bags
Ortlieb Framebag RC

Rear bags
Ortlieb Seatpack Medium

Accessory bags
Ortlieb Gravel panniers, Ortlieb Fork Pack Plus Large,

Other accessories
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt, Tubus Logo Evo Rear rack, Soma Lucas 3 Front Rack

Evie's Soma Grand Randonneur build

What drew you to build this bike up, with the parts you’ve used?

Before this my only bike was a classic Peugeot road bike, and I wanted a more versatile bike which could handle gravel trails and the road, and carry a decent load to be able to commute. 

 

Abby suggested the Soma Grand Randonneur, which I liked, and we chose the rest of the parts to complement that frame.

 

Was there a particular intention for this custom build?

I really wanted a do-everything bike. A big emphasis was just comfort – I’ve never really owned a bike that fit properly before so it’s a very nice change.

 

Having built it up, is there anything further you wish to change or experiment with?

The combination of drop bars and front rack means finding an appropriate basket or bag is going to be an interesting challenge. 

 

Next year I’m going to be studying Product Design so if the opportunity comes up I’m sure the bike will end up as a bit of a test-bed for parts of my own design.

 

Any particular rides you’d like to do with the bike, or have already done?

I rode to and from work at Green Street! Getting home was a challenge – almost entirely uphill up Mount Alexander Road, but I managed it. 

 

I’m also looking forward to doing the Maribyrnong River Trail on an appropriate bike. 

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Frame
Soma Grand Randonneur

Rims
Mach1 Maxx 650bx25

Hubs
Novatec 6 bolt Front, Bear Pawl 6 Bolt Rear

Tires Panaracer Gravelking SK 650x48b

Handlebars
Deda Piega 400mm

Headset
Tange Falcon 1” Threaded Headset

Crankset
Shimano Deore M6100 (170mm) w/ 32T chainring

Pedals
Ryfe Ghostrider

Cassette
Shimano Deore M5100 11-51t

Derailleur
Shimano Deore M5100

Brakes
Shimano M8100 Calipers

Shifter(s)
Shimano GRX 810 Brifters

Saddle
Specialized Power Comp

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Good Cycles helps launch ‘The Purpose Precinct’ at Queen Vic Market: A new home for 20+ local social enterprises

Good Cycles is proud to partner with the Queen Victoria Market and STREAT to help create 'The Purpose Precinct' – a showcase of Victorian social enterprise products and services located in the Market’s String Bean Alley.

With the backing of the Victorian Government and Social Enterprise Network of Victoria, The Purpose Precinct brings together a range of unique products and services from over 20 Victorian social enterprises such as Clothing the Gaps and HoMie, with many more to come.

Alongside a select range of Good Cycles’ bicycle products, is a curated and rotating range of goods all made, designed and/or recycled from sustainably and ethically sourced materials; including homewares, preserves and other non-perishable food, home-growing supplies, clothing and accessories. Good Cycles will also offer bicycle servicing in the near future.

Queen Victoria Market CEO Stan Liacos says the Market is proud to partner with Good Cycles and STREAT, which sits well with the Market’s history and future plans.

“Throughout its 140-year history, Queen Victoria Market has provided access to essential fresh food, goods and services to Melburnians, as well as being an important part of the city’s social fabric. The Purpose Precinct brings a unique mix of quality products and services, helping to achieve our goal to diversify the Market’s offerings to appeal to Melburnians and contribute to positive economic and social outcomes,” he said.

“Throughout its 140-year history, Queen Victoria Market has provided access to essential fresh food, goods and services to Melburnians, as well as being an important part of the city’s social fabric. The Purpose Precinct brings a unique mix of quality products and services, helping to achieve our goal to diversify the Market’s offerings to appeal to Melburnians and contribute to positive economic and social outcomes.”

Stan Liacos, Queen Victoria Market CEO

“We’re excited to call Queen Victoria Market our new home. The Purpose Precinct will create a front door for social enterprises to work together to engage the community and deliver products and services to help people, places and the planet to thrive. Our ambition is to see hundreds of Victorian social enterprises represented in the Precinct over the coming years, all working together not only to create better cities, but also meaningful employment opportunities for Victorians.”

Jaison Hoernel, Good Cycles CEO

STREAT CEO Rebecca Scott says many of Victoria’s social enterprises create employment opportunities for people who face structural barriers to work.

“The Purpose Precinct will showcase products and services being made in all corners of the state, and we’re excited for people to have a taste of the delicious things the sector has to offer.”

Good Cycles CEO Jaison Hoernel says the team is thrilled to be part of the Market’s diverse and thriving culture.

“We’re excited to call Queen Victoria Market our new home. The Purpose Precinct will create a front door for social enterprises to work together to engage the community and deliver products and services to help people, places and the planet to thrive.

“Our ambition is to see hundreds of Victorian social enterprises represented in the Precinct over the coming years, all working together not only to create better cities, but also meaningful employment opportunities for Victorians.”

 

Social Enterprise and Not for Profit participants of the Precinct include:

 

We would like to show our deepest gratitude to all those people that helped make this happen, in particular The Queen Victoria Market, the Victorian Government, STREAT, SENVic and an extra special mention to Silas and our hard-working Good Cycles staff. It’s an exciting time for social enterprise and we can’t wait to see you down at String Bean Alley to support everyone involved.

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Good Cycles joins the Yarra Trams Community Partnership Program

Good Cycles tram enters the network to encourage a summer of active transport

* Official press release *

Good Cycles is thrilled to participate in the 2022 Yarra Trams Community Partnership Program that provides in-kind tram wraps to six Melbourne-based charities and not-for-profits per year.

As a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers young people facing barriers to work by offering them employment pathways, Good Cycles’ tram wrap will bring awareness to the benefits of active transport.

The Good Cycles trams’ message of ‘ride with us to a better future’ was selected as a statement that celebrates sustainable transport options, such as riding a bicycle or tram, whilst also speaking to the organisation’s objective to positively impact the lives of young people and the community.

Good Cycles provides young people with training and coaching, on-the-job experience, and professional support. It is Good Cycles’ mission to improve livelihoods, whilst contributing to more sustainable cities.

Since its foundation in 2013, Good Cycles has:

  • Helped more than 750 young people gain the skills and confidence they need to build a successful career and life in Melbourne through on-the-job training and work experience;
  • Increased paid work experience by 200% since 2017;
  • Increased performance development by 12% since 2019;
  • Enabled 70% of program participants to be job-ready;
  • Successfully supported sustained employment in over 80% of work transitions.
  • Through commercial bike shops and other activities such as partnering with commercial bike hire organisations, Good Cycles has a stable financial footing, with 100% of profits reinvested to create jobs and support young people who are moving through the training program.

In addition to bicycle retail and repair centres, Good Cycles provides numerous bike-based services around Melbourne, including car share services, bike share operations, and remedial streetscape repairs.

Since 2018, Yarra Trams has provided in-kind advertising to community organisations under their Community Partnerships Program to promote good work done in the community. The theme for the 2022 program ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Melbourne’, with participants supporting Victoria’s natural environment, and working to improve employment security for disadvantaged and at-risk communities.

Good Cycles is proud to be a part of this fantastic community partnership with Yarra Trams. The partnership reinforces our commitment to youth and local communities, and it provides Good Cycles with exposure and reach we would otherwise not have.

Jaison Hoernel, Good Cycles Chief Executive Officer

Good Cycles is an outstanding organisation, improving the lives of hundreds of Melburnians that are facing significant hurdles to long-term and stable employment, so I encourage all Melburnians to support Good Cycles as they dust off their bikes and think about getting a service as we head into summer. “I’m proud to have Good Cycles as one of our 2022 community partners and can’t wait to see their tram on the network.

Julien Dehornoy, Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer
Good Cycles would like to give special thanks to Yarra Trams for allowing us to be a part of the Yarra Trams Community Partnerships Program. A huge thank you too, to Mikayla Cairney of Cairney Designs, for lending her talents to the project, and creating such an impressive, vibrant, and colourful design. The above images have been captured brilliantly by photographer James Morgan.
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JP’s Vietnam bikepacking adventure

Setting out in late August, JP, our Geelong store manager and devout adventure cyclist, ditched the morning chills of Melbourne and set forth, bike bag in tow to Vietnam. With a loose plan in mind, JP is currently exploring the south coast of Vietnam aboard his trusty Norco Search XR steel framed flat-bar bike. 

Traversing gaps between fishing villages and local resorts, the beaches, and countryside between Vung Tao and Nha Trang make for some spectacular scenery. Check out some of the pics of his adventure on our blog. You can also follow his journey’s progress on Strava, where he’s racking up the k’s each day.