Launch of 1994 Telecom Rally Australia Youth Project

13/4/94

Seventy-five young Western Australians are involved in three teams which will compete against the world's best drivers in this year's Telecom Rally Australia.

Launching the 1994 Telecom Rally Australia Youth Project today, Community Development and Family Minister Roger Nicholls said that the project, inaugurated last year, had proved to be a successful strategy for addressing the needs of the young people involved.

They had prepared their cars and back-up facilities and had competed with distinction against the world's best rally teams.

Through last year's efforts some young people had gained employment, all had gained automotive and communication skills and there had been lasting changes in confidence and self-esteem.

The project had attracted strong community sponsorship last year and again this year, allowing an expansion from two teams to three.

Major sponsors include Lotto, Telecom Australia, Shell, API-Auscom Credit Society, Honbits Automotive Dismantlers, AISAT Instruments and the Department for Community Development.

"The Department for Community Development is providing the basic infrastructure and overall management of the project, but it simply would not operate without the partnership with the private sector," Mr Nicholls said.

The three teams of 25 each were based in Whitfords, Koondoola/ Girrawheen and Bassendean/Midland.  A few were involved last year, but most were new to the experience.

They had been working since the beginning of the year preparing the cars and learning automotive skills.

After initial driver training, the teams would compete in various State rallies to hone their skills for the Telecom Rally Australia in September.

Preparations were also under way to further expand the project next year. Youth groups were being encouraged to set up smaller rally groups which would be linked to existing car clubs which would be encouraged to appoint mentors to assist with their participation in club activities.

The two most successful of these groups would be brought into the Telecom Rally Australia Youth Project in 1995.

For further information contact:  Roger Nicholls 221 5377

Media contact:  Hugh Ryan 221 5468