When Pesi Elisaia moved to Australia in 2008, times were tough.
With six children, a husband, and just $200 in the bank, she knew the importance of saving every cent.
The family couldn’t afford a car, so her husband, Kapua, would cycle to work each day.
Pesi, stranded at home, battled with depression and weight gain. She could see the health benefits her husband was reaping from cycling, but she was too scared to ride herself.
When another two children came along, she was busy with eight, but would still volunteer with the Country Women’s Association.
It was here that she took on a Building Blocks program that connected her with two women … and, ultimately, her liberation.
Employing skills they acquired through the program, Pesi, together with Helen Fernando and Christine Morris, launched Tricycle 4 Life.
She says women who cannot drive or ride a bicycle become socially isolated, and other women who can drive may not make time to exercise. Riding a trike helps both.
“The challenge for me … is to work out how I can motivate myself to use a tricycle, and encourage other women who may have some health challenges to join in … to get fit, be healthy, be happy, lose weight and save money.”
The program, run with Wyndham council, wants Point Cook women who visit the town centre to be ambassadors. Find out more at an information session at Point Cook Community Learning Centre, from 6.15pm on December 2.
