Revved up reverend’s mission

By Lia Bichel
A REVEREND with a passion for motorcycle racing is hoping to help youth across the nation stay on track.
Reverend John McMahon is leaving his Chaplain position at Kambrya College in Berwick to take his mentor program Motov8 countrywide.
The 39-year-old Gembrook resident has been at Kambrya College for five and half years but said he was looking forward to dedicating the next 10 years of his life to Motov8.
He started the program 18 months ago for schools, sporting clubs and youth groups, which aims to motivate young people to stay on track.
The inspiration for the program stems from his teenage years. Rev McMahon was kicked out of high school and started hanging out with the wrong crowd when a Minister mentored him and helped him make better life decisions.
He said while he would miss his colleagues and the students at Kambrya, he looked forward to the next chapter in his life and hoped to help young people across Australia the way his mentor helped him.
“He put himself on the line because he saw something in me and believed in me,” Rev McMahon said.
“Now I want to help people like he has helped me.”
The program features numerous interactive seminars which can be held during school hours, assemblies, camps, workshops, lectures and mentoring.
Rev McMahon uses analogies from his passion for motorcycles and experience in the racing scene connect with young men.
“There seems to be many programs for girls – which is great, but there are not many for young men. Boys love to show them – mostly anger and laughter in the extremes – but not many boys talk about them,” he said.
“I know the way boys think and I know how to reach them. I know I can make a difference.”
Rev McMahon is a father of three and his wife is a teacher, so he said while the program would be based locally, he will be travelling across Australia to conduct seminars.
He encouraged schools, employers of youth, parents and community organisations to learn more about Motov8 by visiting the website on www.motov8.com.au.