BackTrack Youth Works

27/05/2026

Great day yesterday with Backtrack’s Baile and Tyler leading the outreach team on local aged care home visits. First time for Ollie who took to it naturally with Travis showing the way. Mulga, Gidgee and Arrow made up the canine crew with Whiskey left behind to take care of things back at the office. Talk about a dog day afternoon!

It was impressive seeing our young people actively listening and calmly engaging with some of our elders. They loved their visitors! So nice to be able to show care for others who have been carers themselves.

Paying it forward the Backtrack way 🎯

21/05/2026

Backtrack would not be thriving today without the tireless efforts of people who know that giving is even better than receiving. And giving your time is one of the most precious gifts of all.

Some give through formal ways, like community organisations and charities. Others volunteer all the time and might just call it helping out a mate, or going to the shops for aunty. However you do it, we see you!

We love this quote from author Sherry Anderson: “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”

On National Volunteers Week, cheers to the volunteers!

15/05/2026

Turns out dogs can’t read. But they sure are great listeners.

The Backtrack Paws Up team was on the road again this week, strengthening the community connections made through reading and listening.

With our regular monthly visits to six small primary schools and two aged care homes we’re seeing the impact on the ground.

Sometimes it’s the escape of a good story - or just feeling the calm and focus that flows from reading in a safe space.

Whatever it is, it’s working, keep it up team!

10/05/2026

We want to take a moment today to remember our mums. One thing is for certain, we all had a mum.

For many that’s the most wonderful thing ever.
But it’s not the same for everyone, and we want to acknowledge that today.

Healing journeys can be long and hard, sometimes positive and negative at the same time. Grief is real and valid. But you are not alone, we are walking beside you.

We want to share our thoughts today for all the wonderful women in our lives. She might be a teacher, a friend, a youth worker, a sister, the lady next door, an aunty, a doctor or a nurse, even a movie star or a favorite singer. She might just be someone who showed us kindness. ❤️

Here’s what some of our crew had to say:
“She is the best one”
“Biggest supporter”
“It’s a different type of hug”
“Mum’s love is unbreakable “
“She got ya back - in and out no matter what. The thick, the thin, the big, the little “.
“Mum’s a soldier”
“My mum, she’s a protector”
“Best friend”
“Provider”
“Strong minded”
“No matter how idiotic I can be, you always find a way to show me the unconditional love you have for the last 17 years”
The one that gave me everything and expected nothing in return”
“I’ll light a candle for you today mum”
“She is anything and everything”
“She is a mother but she is much more”
“Mum’s on top”

08/05/2026

A core Backtrack value is helping our young people achieve their dreams, so we couldn’t be prouder to shout it out when they have a win, and this one is HUGE!

Keen musicians Eli and Travis applied for a mentoring program called STAR. With only 10 people chosen for the win across Australia we are thrilled to have two Backtrack legends make the grade for 2026!

The boys were able to make a whirlwind trip to Sydney where they met other winners and organisers from and Travis even got up to perform which went down so well.

Soon mentors are coming on board to share their experiences and guidance about opportunities in the music industry. Eli is already back in the studio getting into it 🎯.

Can’t wait to hear what happens next 🎼🎹🎸🎤

05/05/2026

Great effort from our young people planting up around the dog enclosure at Cubba Cubbah before winter arrives.

Caring for country, connecting with the earth and giving seedlings a chance to thrive. These natives will provide shade and screening for the dogs and support biodiversity.

🌱 Grow well good things!

28/04/2026

Backtrack crew headed back to Boggabri over the long weekend to put on a dog jump for the Boggabri Drover’s campfire. You might remember this event in the Backtrack Boys documentary back in the day!

Flat tyres aside the team had a cracking weekend and made some new friends, and remembered some old ones. Appreciate everyone coming out to cheer on our squad.

Safe travels all, hope to catch you up again next year 🐾

07/04/2026

Incredibly proud of the BackTrack young people who have been helping out on Victorian fire recovery efforts over the last couple of months.

Here are a few of the stalwarts with a grateful landowner on the Longwood fire grounds, along with some of the younger ones putting their fencing skills to good use. They all camped out with the wonderful crew.

So many stories of pride watching BackTrack young people giving back to communities facing their toughest battles. One of many little moments is in the final pic - bringing BackTrack circle work to all the broader volunteers to kick off the day. These young people sure know how to look out for others.

22/02/2026

In case you missed this over your morning coffee, in today’s The Sydney Morning Herald. The young people who have been through BackTrack and come out the other side have so much to offer our community, and many more besides.

As our Founder, Bernie, says in the article - there are heroes in every town, it’s the system that holds them back. We know, because we have identified and mentored a bunch of legends and shared our model through the BackTrack Network. They are transforming their towns, from Lake Cargelligo, to Dubbo, the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

There is a better way that needs backing in.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/this-service-is-saving-kids-lives-more-towns-want-to-replicate-it-but-none-have-succeeded

In a sign of the BackTrack program’s true success, politicians want to replicate it and most of the children involved never want to leave.

17/02/2026

The Paws Up Schools Outreach program has well and truly kicked off for 2026, with BackTrack young people, dogs and youth workers heading out to Woolbrook yesterday. They visit remote primary schools regularly throughout the term, with lots of books in tow, and our young people help the little ones read to the dogs. This is known to instil confidence and calm in reading, both for the younger kids, as well as our own young people as they see themselves as bother readers and leaders.

Along with all the rationale - there’s always a good dose of magic and informal connection in these visits. We put that down to these hounds of course, who had a well earned swim on their return.