As part of their KEY+ project, a group of young people developed an idea based on their shared interest in bikes and helping others. Working together at their community centre’s community garden, they’ve planned and built something that can make a real difference locally.
The Duck Tilters decided to use Stage 2 of KEY+ to create a space where bikes can be repaired, shared, and supported – especially for people who might not be able to afford it.
Lucas explained their idea: “Basically we’re building a shed, but it’s not a shed, it’s a community bike warehouse where people can come in and get their bikes fixed if they’re broke.” The group decided to call it ‘Shed Not a Shed.’
Josh added: “It’s just about trying to help and give back to the community.” And Taylor said: “We’ll also show them how to repair them themselves.”
But this wasn’t a random idea – it came when Taylor noticed a gap in their community and wanted to fix it. “I’ve been riding bikes for years now and I remember seeing this kid and the railer snapped so I was trying to pin it back into place but I couldn’t because I didn’t have the right tools for it and he said that he had no money to get it fixed so I felt bad for him. So, I wanted to do this to help the community out” Taylor said.
And through ‘Shed Not a Shed’, the group have made sure that they have all of the tools they need so if anybody comes in, the tools are available. The group said that a lack of tools is normally what stops people from fixing their bikes.
Getting the space ready meant real hard work: “When we were digging up the ground it was hard. Flattening it because we had to make it level.”
And there were setbacks along the way with two members leaving on the same day and one of the team members having to step away briefly. But the team didn’t fall apart, they only came back stronger. The group managed to stay focused and continue to work together even when things weren’t easy. There were also some disagreements, but they handled them: “It has made us realise that violence isn’t the answer. There’s always a way to solve things” Lucas said.
Lucas also said that thanks to KEY+ and the things he has learnt along the way, “I can communicate better, like a lot better.”
For the group, this project has also resulted in a real shift in some of the members attitudes, in how they see themselves and what they feel capable of. For Lucas, the change is personal: “I don’t do crime anymore, like in the most brutal answer, I haven’t been arrested or nothing since I’ve been here, I’ve actually been keeping my head down and sorting my life out.”
At the beginning, Lucas wasn’t sure how it would all go and he didn’t expect to get along with his group: “I thought we weren’t going to get along but we’ve actually got along sound.”
Their facilitator also reflected on how much the group have changed: “Lucas didn’t think he was going to get along with anybody when he first came… and I think he shocked himself with how well he has fitted in.”
After weeks of ‘grafting’ – digging, planning, problem-solving and sticking with it even when it got tough – Lucas shared what he was most proud of: “We’ve actually done it!”
And when they think about what they’d say to other young people thinking about doing KEY+, they said:
- Taylor: “I would say do it.”
- Lucas: “It’s not as hard as it looks. Well, it is but you have to put the graft in, you don’t get results without graft.”
The Duck Tilters haven’t just built a space that benefits their community, they’ve built belief in each other and in themselves. And that’s something that will stay with them long after the tools are packed away.
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The Key