We want to take this opportunity to thank our amazing staff for all they’ve accomplished this year. Our Good People make us proud to be a part of the Good Cycles family. In fact, we saw a 40% increase in employment – amazing! We’re privileged to ensure safe and meaningful work for all our employees, so watch this space to see what’s in the works in the new year. Now follow us down memory lane and relive this year’s stand out moments.
February saw us launch our newest bike shop in Brunswick. Located in the Nightingale Evergreen building, nestled by the Upfield Bike Path, we have been welcomed by thousands of cyclists this year. We are so thankful to Nightingale Housing for supporting us throughout this journey. A special shout out to Woodbeast and YMCA Rebuild for the countless hours fitting out the bike shop – without you none of this would be possible.
June played host to the annual Melburn Roobaix, an exhilarating fun ride that twists and turns through Melbourne’s inner north. We provided fun and support for participants riding in costumes and all types of contraptions. Many cyclists received complimentary 3 month memberships to all of our bike shops as a thank you for participating. A brilliant ride was capped off with the news that Melburn Roobaix had raised $500 for FoodBank Australia.
In July, Good Cycles began its partnership with Brunswick Cycling Club. A fantastic opportunity for us to broaden our social impact and reach through passionate cyclists of all ages.
September was jam packed: we were featured on ABC News and Tern Australia partnered with Good Cycles. Tern’s range of Bosch powered e-bikes and cargo bikes will give you peace of mind since they’re accessible and comfortable to ride. You can find our range of Tern e-bikes and cargo bikes online and in store, where our friendly retail staff will show you how easy it is to replace your second car.
A few of our staff had the chance to be featured on ABC News as our FOGO Program stole headlines for its innovative organic waste collection service operating in Melbourne CBD’s cafes and restaurants. Reducing food waste in landfill as well as setting career goals in the equally innovative Youth Employment Program, everyday heroes showing out.
October’s Ride2Work Day was a huge success. We provided free safety checks for cyclists along the Docklands and MCEC as well as on-site servicing and tune ups. Free snacks from our friends at Bicycle Network and Lime Australia kept spirits high on what was a cheerful and memorable morning.
At the end of October, Minister for Employment Vicki Ward officially launched the Purpose Precinct at its new home in F Shed, Queen Victoria Market. The social enterprise retail space is Melbourne’s one stop shop for gifts with purpose – stocking clothing and accessories, homewares, and kitchenware from Victorian social enterprises. Another step in building Melbourne’s circular economy and providing safe employment for young people, so come say hello to our staff the next time you’re at QVM.
November was a milestone month as we had our 10 Year Celebration, where we recognised 10 Years of Change and enjoyed the social impact we have made over the years. A great turn out and lovely to see so many faces on the night, be sure to check out our social media for more photos of videos and read our 10 Year Recap at Good News.
December rolled around the corner as we celebrated Open Spaces turning 2! The Good people at Open Spaces are dedicated to maintaining the lawns, bike paths and roads along the M80/Western Ring Road, working in all weather conditions and motivating all of us to go above and beyond. Congratulations on this milestone and keep up the good work!
Honourable Mentions:
- Hannah Figueroa was selected for the Melbourne Social Equity Institute Community Fellowship
- Jaison Hoernel took a well-deserved 3-month sabbatical as part of the SILAS leadership program, meaning Kirra Johnson as acting CEO during his absence
- Kirra Johnson earned the prestigious Westpac Social Change Fellowship
