AN award-winning Rotary program that has helped disengaged teenagers discover purpose, confidence and employment is facing an uncertain future after being forced to leave its workshop due to unrelated insurance complications.
Restore Me teacher Geoffrey Hamilton, 86, is now appealing to the community for help to secure a new home before the life-changing initiative is forced to stop.
The program teaches Year 10 students practical mechanical skills by restoring vintage tractors while building confidence, discipline and pathways into employment.
Looking back on the project’s success, Mr Hamilton said the results had exceeded anything he imagined.
“The first batch of eight students graduated earning three scholarships and three apprenticeships,” he said.
“Channel Nine saw News Of The Area’s 2025 story; Under Rotarian mentorship, local students refurbish an International tractor, and wanted to do a Current Affair story. The response was incredible. People started offering donations of tractors and asking if we could take on more students.”
For Mr Hamilton, the greatest reward came via a mother’s phone call.
“For the first time in his life, her son bounced out of bed, packed his lunch and couldn’t wait to get to college so he wouldn’t miss out on tractors,” he said.
Unfortunately, because of the workshop’s closure, one of the dismantled tractors has now been relocated to storage in Geoffrey’s friend’s shed.
“The Red International is almost finished, and we are stalling moving it in hopes we can complete it as we have a buyer waiting. The other three tractors donated are all placed on hold with the donors fully understanding our position. One needs to be moved soon and, if all else fails, it will end up on my drive,” Geoffrey told News Of The Area.
The workshop’s closure came after a workplace accident involving an employee at the host business triggered additional insurance requirements.
Although Rotary volunteers, teachers and students were already insured through their respective organisations, the building owner faced substantial extra costs and could no longer accommodate the program.
“Sadly, because of this, the current batch of students has had to be put on hold. I would be devastated if this program had to fold because of some hungry insurance company,” Mr Hamilton said.
Restore Me is now searching for a secure lock up workshop measuring about 6 x 8 metres with toilet facilities.
As a volunteer-run charity that receives no government funding, the organisation can only afford a peppercorn rent.
“We would take responsibility for maintaining the building and keeping it clean and presentable,” Mr Hamilton said.
“My firm belief is that whatever we put into this world, we get twofold out.”
Despite his exhaustion, Mr Hamilton remains determined the program will continue.
“I believe this programme has no boundaries,” he said.
Anyone able to offer suitable workshop space, or who would like to support Restore Me, is encouraged to contact Geoffrey Hamilton on 0418 639 937.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
