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.
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.
The poster for the launch event
Our new store is conveniently located along the Upfield bike path, next to the Upfield train line
We are thrilled to announce that our Acting CEO and Head of Impact and Innovation, Kirra Johnson, has been selected for the prestigious Westpac Social Change Fellowship.
This is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud of Kirra for being recognised for her outstanding work and commitment to creating positive social change.
Each year, Westpac Scholars Trust awards 100 scholarships across five program streams to individuals with the passion and drive to create positive change in Australia. Out of the 100, only 10 Westpac Social Change Fellowship’s are awarded. The award is unique in that it invests in an individual, not an organisation, focusing on the recipient’s professional development to accelerate their growth as a social innovator.
As part of her submission, Kirra discusses the type of leader she wants to be, encompassing maturity and capability across three areas: ‘mindset and self’, ‘integration and acumen,’ and ‘networks and influence.’ where she aspires to enact empathic leadership and build deep social-sector knowledge into clear business acumen.
“I am truly honoured to be selected as a Westpac Scholar. This is an incredible opportunity to further develop my skills and knowledge. I am grateful to my colleagues and mentors who have supported me on this journey, and I look forward to absorbing what the fellowship has to offer and sharing it with my Good Cycles team.”, says Kirra.
We are very proud of Kirra’s selection and we’re confident that she will seize this opportunity for her personal growth and the lives of young people that Good Cycles has most impact on.
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!
This new work comes on the back of a literature review on youth employment in Victoria post-COVID-19, done under the guidance of our Head of Impact and Innovation, Kirra Johnson.
Hannah’s research aims to improve our understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people from various socio-cultural diverse backgrounds in accessing employment, and the kinds of factors that inform youth decision-making and aspiration around chosen employment and career pathways. The project addresses the current lack of qualitative data on these specific groups, and the structural barriers within the labour market.
S’moe, enjoying the benefits of the Good Cycles Youth Employment Program
Professor Jo Barraket
Hannah’s research will directly engage its community to build evidence and qualitative data from the lived experience of young people with multiple barriers to employment. This data will continue to inform and improve our Youth Employment Programs’ effectiveness and help more young people access meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.
We are also excited to share that Professor Jo Barraket will be serving as Hannah’s academic mentor. Professor Barraket is a leading expert in social enterprise and social impact, and her guidance will be instrumental in shaping Hannah’s research project.
“This critical work will enable us to to have much more valuable, richer data that is more meaningful and impactful both to us – as an organisation and support provider – and to the young people in our program with socio-culturally diverse backgrounds and experiences: as a minimum, the project will improve our program activities so that it better addresses the specific challenges and barriers to labour market entry faced by these at-risk cohorts of young people.”
– Kirra Johnson
Hannah’s selection as a Melbourne Social Equity Institute fellow is a testament to her dedication and hard work in furthering the inclusion, engagement and participation of underrepresented groups in our community. Her research has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of young people impacted by the pandemic, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.
We can do so much more to address the structural inequalities that prevent so many young people from realizing their full potential. Hannah’s research is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to seeing the impact that her work will have in shaping policies and practices that promote greater equity and inclusion in the labor market. Congratulations, Hannah!
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
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”
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.
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.”
“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.”
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 Alleyto support everyone involved.
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.
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.
Good Cycles would like to give special thanks toYarra 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.
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.
The day itself is all about creating safe, empowering and inclusive environments for LGBTQI+ young people. This is especially important in the workplace, particularly where people may have had negative experiences, or not feel they were able to be themselves for fear of judgment or discrimination.
Kirra (Head of Innovation and Impact) with Jaison (CEO) and Mihai and Ivan from our Operations team
WIPD2022 in full effect!
The events, which also marked the commencement of work on Good Cycles’ Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, were attended by approximately 60 staff and a great time was had by all.
Khan is a Youth Worker and leader who has been working in the youth and community sector for the past 21 years. Khan’s experience includes staff management, program development, and strategic planning across the not-for-profit and government sectors, as well as sessional teaching in a number of tertiary-level Youth Work courses.
With a strong commitment to professional and ethical practice in youth work, Khan is passionate about human rights, meaningful participation, and inclusive practice.
Ivan is a world trotter, having lived in four different countries and visited over 30. In his travels, he has been exposed to many cultures and has learned to adapt to our ever-changing global community.
Ivan has a background in teaching and hospitality, which positions him well in his role of managing and mentoring the City Services team.
Ivan is always on his bike; whether it’s commuting to the warehouse, adventuring from town to town on gravel, or even just down to the shops on smooth tarmac. Having completed the Mallee Blast in 2021, he is keen to continue participating in future endurance events. Ivan is always ready to explore new roads.plore new roads.
Right from the get-go, Darren showed a high level of resourcefulness, determination and negotiation; his enthusiasm when performing his various tasks and a natural aptitude for problem solving became a source of motivation for others, “People talk to me and they tell me “How do you solve those problems so quickly?”… Being able to think both inside and outside the box [is key].”
Through his experience at Good Cycles, Darren was able to improve and strengthen his communication and teamwork skills. Darren noted that he “used to avoid teamwork but now I’m comfortable during shifts… Communication and keeping in contact with people so they know what is going on is a big thing.”
Another big thing for Darren was the chance to be given opportunities to build personal and professional connections particularly at Citywide. In fact, one of his professional goals was to move to Citywide into a permanent position there. Darren noted that, when he was able to work at the Citywide-operated Degraves Street Recycling facility during his time at Good Cycles, he was able to make both personal and professional connections:
They assisted me in that they provided a comfortable working space which – for me – is one of the biggest things. The training they provided was sufficient for me [too].
After making use of the skills, networks and experience he gained in working shifts at the Facility, he successfully achieved his goal and moved into a permanent position at Citywide in December 2021.
Quality time with his children and family is particularly important for Darren: Darren was able to “spend more time with my kids and family” through the flexible shift structures at Good Cycles. More significantly, being employed meant being able to afford more secure housing and provide financially for his young family. Through the job security that came with working at Good Cycles, Darren was able to make huge progress in achieving his twin life goals of “a good home for my family” and “kids growing up healthy and happy”.
With over 20 years in the social impact sector, Kirra’s experience spans executive and senior-level operational and organisational development roles, as well as governance-level leadership, in social enterprise and non-profit organisations. She has a passion for designing strategy, business models and programs that balance financial sustainability with social impact.
Kirra is an Adjunct Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne and a 2023 Westpac Social Change Fellow. Her experience is complemented by formal qualifications that include Social Impact, Social Health and Health Policy, Project Management, and Social Work.
So, starting off, could you tell us a bit about how the Hunt 1000 compares or differs from other bikepacking rides you’ve done?
The Hunt will be by far the longest and toughest ride I have done. I’m allowing 12 days to complete it with a rest day or two included in that time. Previously the longest backpacking trip I have done is four days. I am really excited about being able to switch off from life and work for two weeks and just have riding along as my only objective!
In addition to the overall distance the amount of climbing is huge, up around 30,000m usually, which is somewhat intimidating and a bit of an unknown. I’ll have to see how that goes – I like climbing normally so it should be okay, but wow it will be some slow going!
The most appealing difference to the other stuff I have done would be the remoteness of some of the sections, particularly the really remote wilderness sections and Jagungal wilderness in particular. I’m really stoked to be able to ride through those places.
Can you tell us a little bit about your prep for this event?
My primary strategy has shifted from get as fit as possible ahead of time to ride myself fit over the first 3-4 days – it’s a bold strategy and we will see how it plays out!!
My prep has been quite stop start and interrupted by life and work unfortunately. I have been trying to ride at least an hour most days, and for the past month 90% of all my riding has been on the bike I will take loaded up so I can habituate to the way it feels and moves and the strain on my joints and muscles.
I have put in some over-nighters with some big days of distance and elevation wherever I can while juggling other commitments, but it has been difficult.
Due to my lack of preparation I have modified my plans from 10 days to 12 days just to have some time up my sleeve. I figure I’m on holidays so I should take advantage of that and enjoy myself as much as possible.
The most appealing difference to the other stuff I have done would be the remoteness of some of the sections, particularly the really remote wilderness sections and Jagungal wilderness in particular. I’m really stoked to be able to ride through those places.
What are your go-to’s for food along the way? What will you pack with you to get you through?
Lucky for me I have always enjoyed bakery treats and takeaway food! My plan is to cram my food bag full when I can and see where I get too with that. I plan to carry a number of dehydrated meals as back up, but will eat real food as much as possible.
I have a pretty serious caffeine situation, and I have found specialty instant coffee that I can tolerate and will be bringing a supply of that too!
Riding Highcountry
Have you made any changes to your bike set up for this particular event?
My setup has been pretty consistent for the past year or so. I ride a Kona Unit X which I absolutely love. It’s by far the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. Highlights include a Tumbleweed Persuader bar, a custom frame bag from Rockiest, and my absolute favourite – a cut down Wald 139 basket on a front rack that I got from Blue Lug – the shipping was a killer but man I love that thing! Not having to worry about cramming my tent and sleeping back into a tiny stuff sack is a dream and it allows me to pack the most important thing on a trip – extra space!
The one change I made specifically for this event was to change my tyres. I usually run bigger 2.6 but went done to a more easily rolling and efficient 2.3 tyre. It doesn’t seem like a lot but it has actually made a significant difference to my rolling speed.
We wish Mark a safe, fun, and trouble-free event. Good luck, Mark!
To see the live tracking of the riders progress, click here
John Paul is a Mechanic and the Manager of the Geelong Shop. He has travelled by bike and on foot through 34 countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe, and has covered over 20,000km of road, gravel and singletrack in Victoria.
His current cycling hero is ultra endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox: “I really like her lifestyle as an adventurer and her ‘I just want to ride’ attitude”.
As a Mechanic, John Paul is more than happy to fix bikes for customers, but as a rider he is keen to share his cycling routes and ride experiences for anyone that wants to explore the world by bike.
