Marcus Watson

BackTrack Youth Works

Based in Armidale NSW, BackTrack supports vulnerable young people (aged 12 - 25 years old) who are having a hard time and are falling through the cracks of a mainstream system that doesn't meet their complex needs. BackTrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft saw these young people being left behind in our society and knew they needed holistic, flexible and long-term support to get their lives back on track. With a shed, a passionate crew of volunteers and a mission to keep kids alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams, he established BackTrack in 2006. Sixteen years later, BackTrack has become nationally recognised for our unique, proven approach to engaging, educating, training and employing vulnerable young people. BackTrack helps young people develop work and life skills, engage in learning, prepare for employment and participate in their community. We achieve this through a combination of educational, training and diversionary activities, transitional employment through our social enterprise, residential accommodation and flexible, wraparound youth work.