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The Cockburn XLR8 Motocross program is a youth development and behaviour change program that supports vulnerable and at-risk young people who live, work or study in the City of Cockburn.
The program is rewards-based, encouraging participants to increase school attendance and reduce offending behaviours in order to attend motorbike riding sessions.
The XLR8 program is a partnership between Cockburn Youth Services, the Western Australian Police Force and the Coastal Motorcycle Club, with teenage participants being referred to the program by the Department of Communities and the Department of Youth Justice.
WA Police provides confiscated motorbikes for the use of participants at the Coastal Motorcycle Club's track in Henderson, where club volunteers provide motorbike lessons in a controlled environment.
Program Goals
The XLR8 program is designed to encourage young participants to set and meet individualised goals in order for them to participate in motorbike riding sessions. These goals include:
- Improved school attendance
- Reduced antisocial behaviour
- Reduced offending
If participants do not meet their goals (i.e. skip school or get in trouble with police), staff use their engagement with the program to provide directed support, encourage positive behaviour change, and improve problem-solving and decision-making skills.
What do participants learn?
Participants are taught a wide range of skills, including:
- Safe riding techniques
- Conducting pre-start checks on bikes
- Riding skills such as attack positioning, corning, race starts and more
- Basic first aid
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
Since the program began in 2019, 13 young people aged 14-18 from the Cockburn area have participated in the program. This has reduced illegal and unsafe motorbike riding in the Cockburn area and an increase in school attendance by participants. The program has also helped to divert boredom and strengthen participants' connection with social supports.
Youth Outreach Worker Ben Tanoa, who helped develop the program, says about the participants:
"They've had the opportunity to work with police officers and passionate motorbike enthusiasts, plus learn from the mechanical team at City’s depot about how to look after a motorbike. They’ve had to strive to earn a place in this program, which has helped them work out their priorities, putting their education and future direction under the spotlight."
For more information about the Cockburn XLR8 Motorbike program,
email us or phone 08 9411 3888.
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How do young people join the program?Cockburn Youth Services works closely with local Youth Policing officers, Department of Youth Justice and the Department of Communities to identify young people who will be suitable for the program.
Young people are then invited to attend an interview after which a decision is made if they are suitable for the program.
(Note: No referrals are taken from the public for these services)
What is the criteria for referring a young person?Potential participants must be at-risk young people aged 14-18 who are already known to and working with local Youth Policing officers and Cockburn Youth Support workers.
What qualifications do staff hold to run the program?Each staff member running the program holds a minimum Level 1 coaching qualification, as well as a Working With Children Check and National Police Clearance.
At least one staff member for each session is a qualified youth worker.
What equipment do participants need to get?All equipment, including motorbikes and safety equipment, is provided by Cockburn Youth Services. Participants are only need to bring themselves in order to ride.
Where do you get the motorbikes?The City of Cockburn has created a partnership with the WA Police. Through the WA Police's confiscation program, XLR8 is provided with a donated supply of variously sized bikes.
How are the motorbikes maintained?The City's mechanical team regularly maintains the bikes at their depot in Bibra Lake. The bikes are kept in good condition and receive any cleaning or repairs necessary.
How can I support the program?We always welcome any additional support that would enhance the delivery of the program.
Please feel free to contact
Michelle Champion via email or call 08 9411 3888 to discuss further.
We would be more than happy to assist other local governments and organisations where we can.
Please feel free to contact Youth Services or call 08 9411 3888 to discuss further.
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