A TRUCKLOAD of donated bikes that will provide transport to people on the Fijian island of Taveuni is being shipped next month with the fund-raising help of the Launceston community.
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Launceston volunteers Geoff and Jo Dean moved to Taveuni in 2011 with their two sons, Jack, 12, and Laurie, 10, to help Fijian farmers improve agricultural practices.
The family soon discovered that the local populations walked kilometres to access water for their crops and daily living.
They set out to source bikes with the help of Australian Goodwill Bicycles Abroad.
Mrs Dean said up to 200 second- hand mountain bikes would be shipped from Brisbane in June.
"A large part of the transport cost will be paid by Taveuni farmers who are really keen to have a bike," Mrs Dean said.
"They expanded their plantings of taro to bring in extra funds.
"We are hopeful that with the help of communities in Australia we can bring a second shipment later in the year."
Mrs Dean said some of the funds, including $250 from the Youngtown Rotary Club and $225 from the Launceston Preparatory School, would go towards tools and spare parts to establish a repair workshop on the island.
To donate to the project visit Australian Goodwill Bicycles Abroad at www.goodwillbicycles.com
