Boys to the Bush
A rapidly growing group across NSW assisting boys between 8 and 20 years old, on a mission to assist boys to become good men.
Boys to the Bush (BttB) is a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting at-risk young men in regional communities by providing strong role models, meaningful mentorship, and a sense of belonging. Through immersive programs that remove boys from challenging environments and surround them with positive influences, BttB helps build self-respect, resilience, mateship, and purpose.
These early interventions have a profound impact—reducing rates of homelessness, addiction, juvenile incarceration, self-harm, and suicide. The ultimate goal is to nurture better men: future partners, fathers, sons, brothers, and employees.
Founded in Albury in 2017, BttB has grown significantly, now operating in Forbes, Bathurst, Young, Leeton, Dubbo, Wellington, Wagga Wagga, Wangaratta, Echuca, and Bendigo, with expansion plans underway for Orange, Tamworth, Yass, and Canberra.
To date, BttB has positively influenced over 7,000 lives through a range of initiatives including one-on-one MENtoring, school and education programs, camps, alternative care arrangements, and community engagement days. Impressively, more than 75% of participants continue to receive ongoing support, reflecting the organisation’s deep commitment to long-term impact.
BackTrack Youth Works
Supporting young people doing it tough in regional Australia with holistic support and life-changing opportunities.
BackTrack was founded in Armidale in 2006 by local Bernie Shakeshaft, who saw too many young people falling through the cracks, caught in cycles of homelessness, crime, substance abuse, and unemployment. Determined to make a difference, Bernie created a safe space where troubled youth could grow, learn life and work skills, and build a future.
BackTrack offers flexible, holistic, and long-term support tailored to each individual. It helps young people reconnect with their community, improve wellbeing, and access education, employment opportunities and safe accommodation including emergency and transitional housing.
The organisation’s education program empowers students with practical learning strategies, while BackTrack Works provides hands-on training in agriculture, construction, fabrication, traffic management, and disaster recovery — aligned with local job markets.
Today, BackTrack is a thriving community that gives young people the stability and support they need to find their place and chase their dreams.
