A QUAD bike invaluable to Youth Futures' training program has been stolen in a cruel blow to the not-for-profit organisation.
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The ATV, used as a training tool and for work purposes in Youth Futures' Entally Estate program, was taken from the property near Hadspen early on November 22.
Youth Futures operates a rural training program for migrants and disadvantaged people at Entally Estate. It also operates and maintains its vineyard, on-selling grapes to raise funds for its work, which includes youth accommodation.
Client services manager Lisa Legge said the theft placed a burden on the charity's resources as it tried to stretch funds to buy a new one.
``It means people who are already disadvantaged are getting a kick in the guts,'' she said.
Youth Futures training and employment manager Bert Eilander said the quad bike training course made trainees more attractive to employers.
``The ATV was really important for us, considering the amount of death or harm [from quad bike accidents],'' Mr Eilander said.
``We train people to have a certain skill-set, we don't train for training's sake.
``Time and time again farmers tell us `we want to take these guys, but they must be able to operate an ATV'.''
Tas Chainsaw and Mowers has provided an ATV on loan until Youth Futures' bike is recovered.
The Zimoto quad bike, valued about $7000, was described as army green. Anyone with information is asked to call Youth Futures on 63316622 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.