By Kirsty Ross
KAREN refugees are on a roll as they tinker their way towards a new trade.
The refugees, from Burma and Thailand, are in a win-win partnership with Bicycle Superstore, gaining experience of working in Australia and a new form of transport.
The Hoppers Crossing store gave the refugees 30 second-hand bikes, some trade-ins, to repair – a deal formed by Werribee volunteer Neil Huxtable, who speaks fluent Thai.
The bikes will be distributed across Wyndham’s Karen community, giving the people a greater feeling of independence.
The refugees have been walking, relying on lifts to get around because many can’t afford to buy cars.
Don Mitchell, manager of the Bicycle Superstore, said that, coincidentally, his company had been considering donating bikes to the community when Mr Huxtable came up with his concept.
Mr Huxtable and his wife, Patricia, have spent most of the year giving their time to help the Karens’ settle into Wyndham.
“We’ll continue as more bikes come in, and we will give them to the community so they can gain their independence,” Mr Mitchell said.
