For some, grief stays with them for a lifetime. But for Australian mechanic Gavin Hynam, the loss of his oldest son became the beginning of a mission that has changed the lives of young people all over regional Victoria. The 65-year-old has put his mechanical skills to work for his community, repairing discarded vehicles and handing over the keys to people who can’t afford transportation. Victoria’s 2027 Australian of the Year Local Hero, Bear, affectionately known as Hynam, has been recognized for his extraordinary generosity.
Personal tragedy sparks initiative that changes lives
Hynam’s dedication to community service started after his oldest son, Preston, died in an accident in 2008, just before he turned 21. And after years of grief, the Horsham-based mechanic has found a new lease of life helping young people tackle financial and practical barriers to independence. The idea began in 2017, when Hynam met two refugees who had recently resettled in the Wimmera region, ABC News reports. He was impressed by their resolve to build new lives and knew that dependable transportation could make a huge difference in their opportunities. He used his professional mechanical skills to fix two second-hand cars and gifted them to the young men once they got their driving licenses. He later broadened the initiative to assist other migrants and disadvantaged young people. This became the basis of his Cars 4 Youth program.
More than just cars: Restoring old cars
According to The Weekly Advertiser, Cars 4 Youth enables Hynam to acquire affordable used cars, make any needed repairs and have them road tested before handing them over to the deserving recipients. The donated vehicles also come with six months registration, relieving the burden on the young beneficiaries. By August 2025, Hynam had handed over at least 19 sets of car keys, ABC News reported. The Weekly Advertizer also reported separately on his commitment to the scheme, reporting that at the time of its coverage, 13 vehicles had been gifted. And the effects go beyond transportation. Recipients have been provided with the opportunity to go to university, find jobs, support their families and access vital community services.
Helping young drivers gain their independence
Alongside fixing vehicles, Hynam has spent plenty of time mentoring learner drivers through Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission’s L2P program. The initiative matches eligible learner drivers who lack access to a vehicle or supervising driver with volunteer mentors. Participants are guided and practice supervised driving to help them complete the required 120 hours and work toward getting their licences, adds The Weekly Advertiser report. Hynam also volunteers with the Center for Participation’s P21 driving practice program, reports The Weekly Advertiser. His role extends beyond teaching young people to drive, providing them with motivation, practical advice and a caring relationship at a critical time in their lives.
Generosity is a community effort
The initiative has also garnered support from those who want to see Hynam’s work continue. Preston’s family came together to organize fundraising efforts in his memory, raising almost $8,000. In December 2024, a Wimmera business group added another $10,000 to the program, the Weekly Advertizer reported. Hynam has also put about $20,000 of his own money into the scheme, according to ABC News.
State recognition of an outstanding local hero
Hynam has been named Victoria’s 2027 Local Hero by the National Australia Day Council for his commitment to helping disadvantaged young people achieve mobility and independence. The Australian of the Year announcement said he would join winners from other states and territories at the national awards ceremony in Canberra on January 25, 2027. His award acknowledges more than cars given. It recognizes how the personal loss of one man spurred years of practical kindness, mentorship and civic engagement. Every restored car is one more young person with the freedom to pursue education, find a job and build a better future, according to Hynam. His work continues to make a difference in the lives of others in memory of Preston.
