It’s no secret that when an object, whether it be a domestic appliance or your trusted bicycle, no longer serves its purpose there’s a high chance it will end up in landfill. However, Paul Bird is on a mission to intervene when it comes to bicycles with a unique opportunity to help a community in need.

“All charities need to diversify income but at the same time it’s about fulfilling their purpose,” says Bird, the CEO of Australian charity Brainwave.

Brainwave remains the only national charity that supports children suffering from neurological illnesses and brain injuries, as well as their families.

At present, the charity supports around 1,200 children and their families across the country through various programs including funding critical equipment and therapies, information and advice, peer support, Camp Brainwave and family social days.

“Brainwave was started 27 years ago by [Josephine Nicholls] whose child, her son, was diagnosed with a brain tumour,” explains Bird.

“We know in instances how the whole family is turned upside down and faces a very different future. They lose a breadwinner when typically the mother becomes the 24/7 carer, have to navigate complex health and NDIS systems, become exhausted and socially isolated, and we know a third break apart with the stress. Our purpose is really to support the whole family…we enable the hope, resilience and strength they need.”

A new era of social enterprise

The COVID-19 lockdowns of the last few years plunged Brainwave, like many other not-for-profits, into a difficult position. Unable to facilitate face-to-face fundraising due to social distancing restrictions and lockdowns, the charity was forced to quickly adapt. It’s here the idea for Brainwave Bikes was born, a not-for-profit that restores and resells second hand bikes and uses the profits to support children and their families in the Brainwave community.

“We want people to buy used bikes in the same way as they go into a really fashionable op-shop in Fitzroy, for instance, and buy their used clothes. Because it's a fashion statement.”

The framework is simple. Rather than being relegated to landfill, unwanted bikes can be dropped off at one of seven Mercedes-Benz retailers, or any 99 Bikes store in Melbourne. They are then transported to Brainwave Bikes’ recently opened “superstore” – a 700-square-foot retail space in Melbourne’s Dingley – where they are refurbished and then sold in-store. All profits go directly to Brainwave Australia and, through the business’ gift program, bikes are donated to low-income families.

Closing the gap between mainstream employment opportunities

It was important to Bird and the Brainwave team that the business provided employment opportunities for young job seekers living with disabilities (specifically neurological conditions). “Employment is probably the best intervention you can do for any young person, it doesn't matter who it is. We learn life skills, we learn relationship building, self-esteem, belonging and financial independence,” says Bird.

“The whole idea is to provide work experience and training, but as a transition to mainstream employment. So, we work with employers and employment services especially in the circular economy about the jobs that they have, and then work back in terms of what training and skills that young person needs.”

Brainwave Bikes currently has approximately 600 bikes for sale at its retail store and online (www.brainwavebikes.org.au), with a target to sell at least 5,000 per year.

“We want to avoid what we call the ‘pity purchase’,” says Bird. “You might go to your charity shop because you feel you want to help the charity, but the quality and the product is so poor you don't go again. Here, they get to purchase a really good, tested, refurbished and affordable bike.”

A true partnership

While 2022 marks the official launch of Brainwave Bikes, it also marks Mercedes-Benz Australia’s 10th year as a principal partner of the charity. “The synergy with Mercedes is fantastic,” says Bird. “Without Mercedes' support I don't think we’d exist, especially during COVID…when we couldn't raise funds.”

“It’s a great two-way partnership over the years. And it's not just the financial support, but it's the level of volunteering, expertise, guidance…it provides a level of resourcing and expertise we could never hope to afford. And because of that, we've managed to raise funds for our work, and enable the holistic the support we do for the families.”

Head to Brainwave Bikes for more information or find out where you can donate your second hand bike to them here.

By Victoria Pearson