07.12.2025, 16:36
We have not been successful with the lease application - a big surprise. This is after being offered a Sustainability award from Darebin Council for our contribution to the community! Despite being offered an alternative venue, we would like to stay in Batman Park. So another petition to sign for a council meeting on 15 December, our last chance. Thankyou. c.org/GPdrJTDHtX
06.12.2025, 08:43
Thank you for your support.
We were shocked to learn this week that after almost 5 months of deliberation, Property at Darebin Council have not renewed our lease at Pioneer's Retreat, Batman Park, Northcote, where we have been based for 8 years. They wanted to pursue an Expression of Interest process back in June, and then considered the various applicants, without altering the terms of the EOI as we had asked so that we stood a good chance. So there were other applicants, and since we are volunteers giving bikes to people in need, we cannot afford much rent. We do not know who will get the Shed but it is not us. We have been offered a possibility in Alphington near the market, terms are so far unknown and we have not seen it yet so we cannot say more until later in the week. Obviously we would like to stay where we are. Mike Williamson has therefore set up another petition on Change, because on 15 December the Council meets for the last time this year and we would present it, if there is support. Moving bikes and shelving and bike parts would be daunting and we think we remain the ideal tenants for where we are, with HUGE community support. The link is here c.org/nFHj5fyg59
We will now close this petition, see you at the next one if you are willing, and thank you again.
Simon
17.06.2025, 06:48
the useful life of the petition is July 2025
Neue Begründung:
WeCycle is a community association staffed only by volunteers [mostly Darebin residents], that operates from the building known as Pioneer's Retreat in Batman Park [not yet renamed], corner of Arthurton Road and St George's Road, Northcote, VIC by the tram stop. You may have seen us or visited us?
Our mission since 2016 has been to restore and give out free bikes to members of the community and particularly refugees and asylum seekers, from Darebin and beyond. Bikes provide mobility options and exercise. We have donated well over 1000 bikes to adults, children and families and have a list of several hundred more to fill, supplied by social care agency officers, from AMES, Spectrum, Brotherhood of St Laurence, etc. We also support two NDIS mechanics and their carers on site, and give advice and mechanical help to bike owners, particularly during a free monthly Darebin Council Bike Check.
In March 2025 we were not offered the normal affordable lease renewal by Darebin Council. On 26 May 2025, without consulting us, Leasing recommended the building be offered for 'commercial' expressions of interest only, and this was approved by Councillors. We will potentially be bidding for the space later this year alongside other potential users. We have not yet been offered an alternative venue, and because we have served the community for so long, we argue that this building should be re-classified as 'community' space [it has never had a commercial tenant since it housed a young children's care clinic and other community activities].
We Cycle has appeared on national TV, and in publications highlighting our work. We receive some community grants and donations but most of the budget is spent on parts and insurance. We are registered with Community Affairs VIC.
We aim to present this petition with councillor sponsorship at Council meetings on 23 June 2025 or 30 June 2025. Your councillors are listed here if you also want to contact them. The Shed is in South West Ward [Clr is Alexandra.Sangster@darebin.vic.gov.au]
ThankyouSimon Batterbury 0406021270 & the WeCycle Board
Signatures at the time of the change: 640
