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Recent participants comments

Brendan-Age14

U-Turn is the only thing I have graduated from since Primary School...

Scott-Age20

Post course is great because you scratch up on the stuff you missed and learn new skills...

David-Age19

I just love working on cars altogether...

Daniel-Age16

It's good because I get to work on engines, panel beat and stuff. You get to use a MIG welder and tools ya don't get to use. Go Karting is fun...

Kirt-Age16

I like working on cars and motors. I like how lunch is cooked for us everyday, Love the Go Karts - they're fast and easy to handle...

Jack-Age15

Workers are good. Go Karts are good because they are fast...

Course Dates for 2008-2009

2008

15 July - 18 September

7 October - 11 December

2009

13 January - 19 March

14 April - 18 June

14 July - 17 September

13 October - 17 December

Extra Information

U-Turn is based on the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council's Best Practice Model and Business Plan for Young Recidivist Car Theft Offender Program.

Find out more

What is U-Turn

U-Turn aims to break the cycle of motor vehicle theft by engaging participants in 'hands on' mechanical training while addressing life-skills and personal development issues.

PDF file

Download our brochure - updated 25 Sept 2008

Who is it for

The target group for the program is young people aged 15-20 years with a history of motor vehicle theft, or who are at risk of becoming involved in motor vehicle theft.


Please watch our videos below...

Please note that if you don't have access to YouTube you will need to save thes videos to your desktop and view them there. Just RIGHT mouse click on the links below and then select SAVE FILE AS and save to your PC. Note these are in WMV format for Windows.

Matt's Story - 4.0 MB | Zac's Story 5.2 MB

 

 

Course structure

The core component of U-Turn is a structured ten-week automotive training course in car maintenance and body work, delivered in a workshop environment. Other components of the program include.

  • Case management and personal development
  • Links to employment and further education
  • Recreational activities
  • Literacy and numeracy education
  • Road safty education
  • Post-course support

One of the objectives of the U-Turn program is to redirect the thrill-seeking behavior associated with motor vehicle theft into positive, legal, safe and fun motor sport activities, such as go-karting.

Where is U-Turn Located

Workshed

U-Turn is located in southern Tasmania at 2 Station Street, Moonah. The facility is equipped with workshops, classroom area and recreation room. A dedicated spray painting booth has been established in the main external shed.

Supported Accommodation Service

A Supported accommodation service is available to enable young people from the North and North West of the state to participate in the program. Four young people per course can be accommodated in the group home with a paid carer.

Participants who travel to Hobart each Monday of the course, are accommodated in the group home while they attend U-Turn from Tuesday-Friday, and then return home again each Friday for the weekend.

U-Turn is Supported by the following Major Sponsor

RACT Insurance

U-Turn is also Supported by the following Sponsors

Castrol AustraliaSpectrum Car PaintsHazell Brothers

Mission AustraliaTasGovTasmania PoliceCPCSCWork for the Dole

U-Turn is delivered by Mission Australia under contract to Tasmania Police, and is funded by the State Government.