Published on 02 July 2026
High school students from across Hobsons Bay have come together to make a positive impact in the community through Council’s Youth Change Makers Challenge.
Working in combined teams, students from Bayside Secondary College, Altona College and Williamstown High School collaborated to complete a series of challenges before putting their new skills into action, building two bicycles that were then donated to Latitude: Directions For Young People.
As part of the challenge, students researched local organisations and decided where the bicycles could have the greatest impact. They chose to donate the bikes to Latitude, a local organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
The bikes have since been donated to two people in Hobsons Bay experiencing homelessness.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
“The Youth Change Makers Challenge gives young people the opportunity to work together, develop new skills and make a genuine difference in the lives of others.
“It's inspiring to see students not only build the bikes themselves, but also consider where they could have the greatest impact.
“Their decision to support people experiencing homelessness shows compassion, leadership and a strong commitment to the community."
Quotes attributable to staff member at Latitude: Directions for Young People, Jess:
“The recipient of the donated bike was overwhelmed with joy and was so appreciative. It had been quite some time since he had received anything, and it was clear that the bike will make a meaningful difference to his life.
“Opportunities to provide bikes are rare and as a support worker it was rewarding to see the impact it had.”