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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
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Contents 6 Message from the Chair & the Founder 10 How We’re Tracking 18 Our Vision for the Future 20 Highlights from the Year 28 BackTrack Works 32 The BackTrack Network 36 The BackTrack Pack 38 Our People 42 Financials and Funding 46 Credits & Acknowledgments
Feeling Social /BackTrackYouth /backtrackyouthworks /company/backtrack-youthworks
Contact Us P: E: W: A: ABN:
(02) 6771 3577 enquiries@backtrack.org.au www.backtrack.org.au 15-17 Grafton Rd Armidale, New South Wales 66 612 831 919
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
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Message From the Chair 17 years since its inception, BackTrack is beginning to really come of age.
Greg Paramor The Chair
2023 has been a year of great development as we recalibrated post-pandemic to set our foundations for growth, success and longevity. This began with the donation of the BackTrack farm, continued with completion of our town headquarters and rounded off with the establishment of a new endowment fund which we hope will eventually provide sustained operational funding support for BackTrack’s programs through prudent longterm investment returns. I’ve been pleased to be involved with BackTrack by becoming its inaugural chairman some 8 years ago when we achieved our charitable status I believe that all young people in our community deserve more than lip service, they need a concentrated effort to be given a chance of success in life, and I can see that Bernie and the team provide just that in some of the most challenging circumstances. When you see practical solutions to seemingly intractable problems, you really want to back them in. Clearly, I am not alone. BackTrack is most fortunate to have a diverse and exceptionally dedicated network of funding partners and regular donors; not just providing dollars, but rolling up their sleeves, forging relationships, offering expertise and becoming part of the fabric of our growing organisation.
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
I would like to pay particular attention to our dedicated staff. Our team are daily confronted with the fallout of varying degrees of trauma, leading to a variety of emotional and physical challenges and brought about a range of factors within our communities. They really are on the front line. I would also like to thank my board for providing ongoing guidance coupled with an overriding desire to assist the team. To this end we’ve been fortunate to add to our small team of directors, two highly qualified individuals. To all our people - my board, every staff member, funder, friend and all the young people who believe in BackTrack and who give themselves to achieve the tasks at hand - you all make this growing organisation the great place it is becoming. Best Wishes, Greg Paramor 2023
Marcus, Greg and Bernie in planning mode at our first BackTrack Farm gathering.
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Message From the Founder What an incredible year it’s been for BackTrack. One that will go down in our history as a turning point I reckon. Thanks to the generous donation of a farm in late 2022, and the establishment of the new BackTrack Foundation, we have been able to shift our thinking from day-to-day plans, to an intergenerational dream. Our mission to keep kids in regional Australia alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams has always been unwavering. We have done just that for countless young people in Armidale and surrounds, and more recently throughout NSW and Queensland through the BackTrack Network. But the need for programs like ours is growing at an alarming rate. Post-Covid it’s become more evident that the education system is not catering to disengaged kids. Entrenched disadvantage is creating a tragic cycle of poverty and the revolving door of contact with the criminal justice system is spinning faster than ever. The problems are not going away. That’s why we need a longterm, replicable plan to provide alternative pathways for these kids. We now have a 100-year dream, that includes our education and diversionary programs, our social enterprise, our Network and our farm - so that long past my expiry date, BackTrack will be here for the kids who are doing it tough.
The biggest challenge we’ve always faced is that our successful way of working with flexible, holistic, wraparound support, doesn’t fit into a tight bureaucratic government funding model. I am so humbled and grateful that we have had remarkable funding partners - from individuals, companies, philanthropics, community organisations, everyday mum and dad supporters and others who have got behind us, walked with us and helped us make a hell of a difference. Most weeks, I get a text of gratitude from a young person who’s been impacted and had the course of their life changed by BackTrack programs. These amazing young people who are thrown every obstacle in life, deserve the chance to find a way through. I’m so proud of every one of them – and of all of us. Together, we are having a lasting impact.
All the best, Bernie Shakeshaft 2023
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
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How We’re Tracking
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Whatever It Takes
As Long As It Takes
Founded in 2006, BackTrack Youth Works is an independent, community-based organisation that, put simply, helps young people who are having a hard time.
A total of 28 young people have progressed through BackTrack’s Core Education Program in Armidale, and 40 young people have been engaged in our social enterprise, BackTrack Works.
The reality of how we do that and who we do it for is truly unique, holistic and complex.
An additional 16 young people have participated in BackTrack Tenterfield programs.
We provide the wraparound support that disengaged young people need to get back on track - helping them develop work and life skills, engage in education and training, navigate legal issues, find jobs and connect with their community. Now in our 17th year, BackTrack keeps kids alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams. We do it around the clock and for the long haul. Some of our original young people are still deeply involved as mentors in our programs, and we pride ourselves on always being here to take the call of any BackTrack person who needs us. This work could not be done without an incredible network of passionate people. Our staff, supporters and partners see the enormity of the challenge facing young people in regional communities, as well as the potential and the urgency to make a difference, both in the lives of our most vulnerable kids, and in their wider communities.
Our Paws Up Outreach Program has been on regular visits to 5 remote Primary Schools in the New England region, reaching over 90 children with animal supported literacy and wellbeing programs which also provide leadership and dog handling opportunities for our young people. In addition, we have facilitated the BackTrack Network to operate similar programs in a total of 9 towns across regional NSW and QLD – collectively engaging 196 young people. These figures cover the young people enrolled in our intensive programs only. They do not tell the full story of the wraparound youth work and support we provide to all past and current participants and their communities. When we say that BackTrack is a family, we really mean that we provide the support of a family to the young people who need it most whatever it takes for as long as it takes.
Total: 326 young people directly engaged in 2022/23 BackTrack Network (exc Armidale): 168 Paws Up: 90 BackTrack Works: 40 Core Program: 28
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
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BackTrack Core and Works Young People Demographics
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Less than 6 months: 20.9%
ATSI: 58.1%
10-13: 11.6%
6-12 months: 9.3%
Not ATSI: 39.5%
14-16: 39.5%
1-2yrs: 20.9%
Prefer not to say: 2.3%
17+: 48.8%
3-5yrs: 34.9% 5-10yrs: 9.3% 10+yrs: 4.7%
Gender
Cohort Demographics Tenuous Engagement with education: 100%
Social Isolation
Housing instability Trauma: 51.2% Mental Healthincidents: challenges 37.2% Criminal Low self-efficacy abuse: 62.8% Substance Substance abuse Low self-efficacy: 90.7%
Fe m
al
e
Criminal incidents Mental Health challenges: 60.5%
al
e
Trauma Housing instability: 30.2%
M
Female: 11.6% Male: 88.4%
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
0
20
40
60
80
100
Tenuous education SocialEngagement Isolation:with 37.2%
14-16
10-13
17+
Prefer not to say
sry+01
sry01-5
sry5-3
ATSI
Age of Participants
Not ATSI
Length of Participation
Warrah We know that young people can’t access the services they need, or engage in education and training if they don’t have a safe and stable place to live. Over the last financial year, our residential home, Warrah, has been a home away from home for 7 young people and provided emergency / respite accommodation for another 4. The onsite tiny homes, which were built by BackTrack young people to provide an opportunity to earn a rental history, have had an additional 6 older occupants. The re-establishment of a gym onsite, combined with some volunteer hours from a local trainer, has seen Warrah residents engage with physical training and wellbeing on a weekly basis with great results, and regular ‘family dinners’ have seen some wonderful reunions and gatherings.
Engagement
Keeping It Fun
While the Core program is focused on vital literacy, numeracy and vocational skills; life lessons and engagement are always a priority. From weekly dog training, camp outs, cook ups, excursions, music producing and podcasting workshops, to driving lessons, local sports and beach trips, our incredible youth work and wellbeing team make sure that every day counts at BackTrack. We also facilitate our young people’s involvement in a range of team sports in the broader community – with BackTrack alumni quickly forming a strong contingent in the Armidale Rams and the BackTrack Basketball team going from strength to strength.
Warrah has developed a fantastic family atmosphere where young people can experience stability, safety and care. In 2023, we shifted from a house parent to a rotating youth worker model and the dedicated staff make sure residents and visitors alike get to experience an amazing range of recreational and learning experiences. At Warrah, our young people develop strong and positive relationships with peers and adults and learn how to manage a household, in order to set themselves up for independent living.
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Core Education Program
Transition Program
BackTrack established a partnership with the NSW Department of Education in 2020, in order to utilise our proven program of working with disengaged young people and align our activities with the NSW curriculum.
Developing supported pathways for young people to move from our Core program, into training and employment opportunities remains a priority and we have re-established a ‘Transition Crew’ of older young people, who we are preparing to step up into our social enterprise, BackTrack Works.
The program has made great strides this year, with the arrival of a new teacher, Nicole Weaver, in September 2022 and the integration of a partnership with the Social Ventures Australia professional network ‘The Connection’. Our Core young people are working one-on-one to individual learning plans, across our various sites and using specifically designed learning resources and workbooks relevant to their needs. In addition to supporting our cohort in Armidale, the resource development work we are doing could have widespread application for disengaged young people. We are proud of this groundbreaking work which situates young people with complex needs at the centre of curriculum development. In December 2022, 3 of our previously disengaged young people obtained their Record of School Achievement (RoSA). In 2023 we are hitting for 8 or 9 more, as we embark on a 3-year education plan to hone our program for scaling across the BackTrack Network.
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
The Transition Crew provide vital role modelling for younger, newer participants. A major redevelopment of our Armidale Shed site this year provided great opportunities to engage this cohort throughout the year and will also enable us to accommodate growing numbers ongoing. In this financial year, five Core young people obtained their White Cards, with additional accredited training outcomes achieved in Excavator, Skid Steer Loader and Roller operations. In total across our Core, Works and Tenterfield young people, 157 accredited training outcomes have been achieved.
Brendo welcoming his Nan to Warrah for a very special surprise visit.
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Meet Oskar
Meet Chenara
Oskar has been at BackTrack since the end of Term 3, 2022 and he stays at our residential home, Warrah.
Chenara is 15. She started at BackTrack in 2023 and says her mental health has already change.
The one-on-one learning now available to him has been transformational. He says, “I wasn’t going good in school and was getting into trouble. I love being at BackTrack. I love the support I have behind my back, the work we get to do, all the experiences and the BackTrack way in the classroom. Unlike school where I was swamped in a crowd of kids, with one-on-one work you can get the help you really need. It makes learning so much easier. I’ve learnt a lot about self-respect here. I treat myself better and am sorting my anger issues.”
“I didn’t really have a stable mindset when I first came here. Now I have a more clear mindset.”
Oskar is also connecting with the key members of our wellbeing team - the BackTrack dogs. He is one of our top upand-coming dog handlers; “I love ‘em. The dogs are one of my favourite things about BackTrack. I always wanted to have dogs in my life but have never had one of my own and now I help look after thirty of them! BackTrack is family and it’s a home.”
“I knew I wasn’t okay and I knew I needed help so someone recommended BackTrack and ever since then my whole life has taken a change and I’m feeling so much better and safer. BackTrack makes me feel like I’m appreciated and a part of their family. My favourite thing about it is giving back to the community - going to people’s houses and helping with things that they can’t do. I like learning with Nicole because she always tries to work around what I can and can’t do. “
With his newfound can-do attitude, Oskar has done a 180 since joining the Core program. He has a strong interest in health and fitness and is making the most of powerlifting and other regular gym and recreational activities, which he can see is improving his mental health. Oskar is turning his life around.
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
“In 2022 when my Pop passed away, that’s when I stopped being the bright little girl I was. I started to muck up in school alot more, getting into fights and even doing crime. I had no help at all so most nights I stayed on the street or couch surfed. It was very bad for me - I was constantly thinking about suicide and I even tried to end my life more than once.”
“My hopes are to become a better person than I was before. BackTrack helped me be independent and to want to be successful in life. It helped me face my fears and build more courage. Now I feel like I’m a somebody, not a nobody”
Pressure off at The Shed.
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Our Vision For The Future
“A society g rows grea t when old m en plant trees in wh os they shall n e shade ever sit.”
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Cubba Cubbah
The BackTrack Foundation
Belonging is central to the BackTrack methodology. Thanks to the generosity of donors, in October 2022, we were gifted a working farm on the outskirts of Armidale. This is a place the extended BackTrack family can come home to and feel that sense of belonging for generations to come.
In early 2023 the BackTrack board made the decision to create an endowment fund with an eye to the long-term financial sustainability of our work. The BackTrack Foundation was formally established in June 2023. The intention is to build this fund over time, ultimately preserving the capital and creating a stream of income which can be used to contribute to the operations of BackTrack.
The BackTrack farm
Cubba Cubbah presents a huge opportunity to safeguard the longevity of our work and increase the scope of the support we are able to offer. With the support of a number of key partners, we have been able to employ a parttime Farm Manager and a General Manager who is overseeing substantial planning and preparatory building works, including the renovation of an existing farmhouse, the construction of shared amenities, decking and learning spaces, the drilling of a bore and the installation of cabin and caravan accommodation. We are embarking on an exciting 100-year dream which will consider opportunities for long term land and habitat regeneration, as well as opportunities for farming, and recreational and training activities across our growing BackTrack Network.
In the initial stages, the BackTrack Foundation will be in a building phase, until it is of a scale whereby the income produced can help sustain our operations. We know this is an ambitious, longterm goal, but alongside our longterm vision for our young people, our farm, and scaling our work, we know that planting a seed now will reap benefits into the future. The BackTrack Foundation sits with the Australian Communities Foundation as part of their Future Fund. Donors wishing to consider a gift are welcome to contact us for more information.
Our Core group, as well as Transition and Works crews are already working on farm - gaining invaluable insight into agricultural life and trades. In the 2022/23 year they’ve been able to participate in fencing, spraying, earthmoving, cattle sales and construction activities, with a comprehensive flora and fauna survey on the cards soon.
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Highlights from the Year
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The Shed Redevelopment A major redevelopment of our BackTrack Headquarters at Grafton Road, Armidale has been completed this financial year. A large multi-use shed, as well as new meeting rooms, a kitchen, recreational spaces and dog yards, have been constructed and fitted out with the engagement of BackTrack young people at all stages. This has been a fantastic project, both for the outcomes and the process. Around 30 of our Works crew and young people have been able to be involved from planning to completion, gaining real world skills in demolition, construction, project planning, problem solving and site management.
Local Support The Shed redevelopment was possible only with the support of our amazing donors and the ongoing collaboration we’ve had with local partners and the Armidale Regional Council - who have been with us from the very beginning. Council extended the footprint of our site to accommodate the redevelopment, meaning we can take on more young people and provide a broader range of activity in the years to come. The local police have also been integral to our success.
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Growing Tenterfield In September 2022, BackTrack officially launched a shipping container pop-up in Tenterfield – the culmination of a multi-year disaster resilience project following catastrophic bushfires. Tenterfield BackTrack is now a stable and ongoing program as part of the BackTrack Network, with a permanent shed going up alongside the shipping container in June. A recent project with the Glen Innes Lions Club saw young people from Armidale and Tenterfield constructing BBQ and picnic shelters in the community and we continue to develop strong relationships with local schools, service providers and community organisations.
16 16 young people participated in programs at Tenterfield in the 22/23 financial year.
04 4 completed their White Cards and their Chainsaw Ticket.
03 3 young people undergoing a Certificate II in Rural Operations.
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
The Law Society of NSW
Ride To Give
The BackTrack Network was chosen as the Law Society of NSW President’s charity in 2023. This was a fantastic boost particularly among the legal profession, bringing with it opportunities to shift the dial on youth justice issues.
We were honoured to be recipients of the 2023 FDC Building Group’s Ride to Give – a 485km charity bike ride through our region which raised a whopping $534,000.
The 2023 President, Cassandra Banks explains why she chose the Network as this year’s recipient,
‘Far too often conversations focus on punishment when we could be concentrating on helping young offenders find their way to a better future. Through my experience working with young people in the legal system, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive effects of grass roots intervention and diversionary programs. This is why as the 2023 President of the Law Society of NSW, I’m supporting the Tracker Network.’
Half of that flowed through to us at BackTrack and is earmarked for establishing and growing opportunities for young people at the BackTrack farm Our own Marcus Watson joined the peloton for the 3-day ride, along with BackTrack’s Steve Bramley and Nathan Bliss who helped out as support crew. This was a wonderful, and exceptionally organised event to be part of, and along with the in-kind support FDC is providing to us at Cubba Cubbah, the funds raised will make a lasting difference.
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
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The Tenterfield team in action
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BackTrack at nsw Parliament House In November 2022 we brought the worlds of BackTrack, government and philanthropy together for a memorable event at Parliament House in Sydney. Hosted by the then Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Dugald Saunders, the event was attended by representatives from Government, the philanthropic sector, law enforcement and community services, for a panel discussion with Bernie and BackTrack alumni. Special thanks to former BackTrack participants Jack, Kanaya and Zac who shared their powerful personal stories, setting the example for so many kids to follow.
Community Jobs Generosity is one of the key values of the Circle of Courage. Giving back to the community gives our young people a priceless sense of pride, positivity and connection. In 2023, our Core and Works young people have reignited the BackTrack Community Jobs tradition, with weekly volunteering on small projects for locals in need. It might be a tenant who needs her yard tidied for inspection; an elderly couple who need firewood; or a family in need of furniture removal. The community calls our front desk at Armidale and our young people chip in to get the job done. It’s all part of giving back.
All of BackTrack’s work is grounded in the Circle of Courage principles: Belonging, Independance, Mastery, Generosity.
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
“T It bui he kids love lds th e conn it. in tow ection n and them s teach to giv e s e comm unity back to th th e us. An d wor at gives to d out si nce w ’s getting e star doing ted this a g Bliss ain! y, Back Track Works
Superv
isor
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Backtrack Works
“It’s seeing on their f the look a they’ve don ces once e hard day’s a really w they stand ork and back and say, ‘Yeah, we did tha t’. That sense o f p r ide is priceless. I’m so pro ud of our co m m unity and the bo ys and tha t look on th eir faces!” Graeme, W o rks Manager
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Our social enterprise BackTrack Works was established in 2018 to provide supported training and employment pathways for young people as they transition out of our Core program.
Over time, we are skilling up participants to take on external employment in high demand industries in the region, as well as supervisory and leadership roles within BackTrack. In the last 12 months, BackTrack Works has achieved the following outcomes: 46 people employed in Works (40 of them young people) Over 30,000 hours of paid labour Over 100 accredited training outcomes 6 young people engaged in external employment
BackTrack Works has developed strong relationships across local and state government, non-profit and corporate sectors and we have a steady flow of contracts with partners who understand the multi-pronged impact of our work. Key contracts in 2022/23 included: Homes North Social Housing Maintenance Armidale Regional Council Roadside Clean Ups Armidale Regional Council Floodgates Project Local Land Services Projects, including gates and feral pig traps Gunn Agri agricultural projects
Cattle Yards, Feeders and Dog Boxes on commission for GrazAg OzFish - Post-flood Planting and Fencing Multiple In-house projects at the BackTrack Farm, Warrah, Shed and Tenterfield
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Clocking Up Qualifications We continue to broaden the scope of our hands-on trades projects and training activities to align with the interests and aspirations of our young people. So while we still offer agriculture, horticulture, woodwork and metalwork activities, this financial year we have also incorporated animal care, natural resource management, fire-fighting, quad bike and two-wheel bike operations, podcasting, music production, cooking and barista skills in our training offering. BackTrack works intensively with young people to scaffold their progress in both on the job and accredited training and traineeships. Some of the units completed while on the job this financial year include: Install, maintain and repair farm fencing Treat weeds
09 9 young people undergoing Traineeships (7 in Rural Operations and 2 in Community Services)
100 92 accredited training outcomes achieved by Armidale Works crew
Apply environmentally sustainable work practices
Transport and store chemicals Mainstain chainsaws Perform engineering measurements Operate two-wheeled motor bikes Respond to wildfire General construction induction training (White Card) Provide first aid
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
57 57 accredited training outcomes achieved by Tenterfield Works crew
Meet Jerry
Meet Aiden
Jerry faced serious challenges engaging with mainstream classroom education at Tenterfield High School.
Aiden started at BackTrack at just 12 years old. After coming through the Core and then Works program, he is now employed full time as a General Hand in the Parks and Gardens team at Armidale Regional Council.
Referred to BackTrack in September 2022 by the school’s Deputy Principal, Jerry continued attending school parttime while participating in BackTrack’s Tenterfield pop-up program, which provided practical instruction, mentorship, and intensive wellbeing support. Since joining BackTrack, Jerry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with growing confidence and active involvement in various training and work experience opportunities. He has excelled in tasks such as fencing on flood-affected properties, contributing to park refurbishment, maintaining lawns for community housing, building a permanent shed onsite at Tenetrfield and completing a chemical accreditation course. BackTrack Works subsequently employed Jerry and supported him in starting a Certificate II in Rural Operations, where he has shown outstanding commitment and attendance. Jerry is also a skilled and lucky fisherman!
Aiden helped build the 4 tiny homes at Warrah, which provide a springboard into private rental for our young people, and he made the most of the many hands-on learning experiences offered through various Works contracts, with a particular interest in our remote fencing jobs after natural disasters. He says, “I mostly did flood relief and a bit of fire recovery too. It felt good and gave me a different sort of appreciation from people – they were really grateful and they showed it and it felt good.” These days, Aiden is a single Dad to a toddler of his own and an incredibly important ‘older brother’ figure and mentor within the BackTrack family. Aiden says, “I’m still getting support from BackTrack, which has helped ‘cos they’ve stuck by me and that constant support no matter what, helped me focus and envision where I wanted to be. You can always come back no matter what... It’s kind of like a home away from home”.
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The
Backtrack Network
ork w t e he N our “As t , so does t.” c ds a n p a p m ex ive i t c ger e l Mana e v col i t u , Exec n atso
cus W Mar
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Our Network BackTrack continues to support a Network of likeminded organisations with ongoing mentoring, quarterly gatherings and regular meetings. Network organisations are now operating in 9 distinct communities: BackTrack, Armidale LeaderLife, Dubbo Down The Track, Lake Cargelligo Making Tracks, Broken Hill RuffTRACK, Hawkesbury FlatTrack, Moree ShoreTrack, Macksville Emerge Youth, Toowoomba / Sunshine Coast Tenterfield, BackTrack
Over the last year BackTrack has commissioned a third-party evaluation to provide independent feedback on what is working and what may need to pivot for sustainable growth. As previous, the NSW Law Society appointed the BackTrack Network as their primary beneficiary for 2023, providing significant exposure across media and the legal profession. Building the BackTrack Network delivers more than the obvious benefit of helping a greater number of young people on the ground. There is also the priceless network of support that grows via mutual exchange and knowledge sharing. There are currently almost 200 young people enrolled in BackTrack Network programs, with many more participating in drop-in and informal projects.
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Seed Saving in Lake Cargelligo
Loving Kids Back To Life in Dubbo
Down The Track kicked off an inspiring seed collecting journey with Local Land Services in January 2023.
Another amazing year for the LeaderLife village. We have supported over 207 children aged between 5-16 years in our afterschool and holiday program.
Despite setbacks due to major flooding, the team rolled up their sleeves to collect over 80kg of native seed in order to repopulate the barren sandhills around Lake Cargelligo, Eubalong West and Hillston following drought, fire and flood. More than 20 young people have been engaged in the seed collecting process, harvesting sheoak, hakea, ruby saltbush, blue bush, eucalyptus, emu bush, wattle as well as some native grasses. From harvesting to drying and cleaning the seeds, young people have gained a wealth of knowledge about the land they live on and how natural disasters impact the environment. Knowing that they can contribute to replenishing the land gives them pride that they can share with others for years to come. - Lana Masterton, Down The Track coordinator
Our social enterprise continues to stick true to LeaderLife’s motto of ‘Let’s Grow’ with 11 young people gaining paid work and 8 transitioning into mainstream employment. Expansion of our lime farm has also been an exciting learning opportunity with over 1100 bottles of handcrafted cordial manufactured and sold, and a new product line of dried limes being launched. Thanks to the inspiration from BackTrack and the Network, we have continued to think 80% out in front, creating more and more exciting opportunities for children and young people having a tough time in Central West, NSW. Thanks to some amazing funders, LeaderLife will be expanding our knowledge of growing limes and embarking on intensive regeneration farming. LeaderLife young people will be growing fish and yabbies through aquaponics, as well as honey and fresh fruit and vegetables through syntropic agroforestry. We will continue helping kids doing it tough to live their best life for as long it takes. - Joh Leader, Founder LeaderLife
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
Seed Saving in Lake Cargelligo
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The
BackTr
Pack
36
ack
Paws Up Program
The BackTrack dogs are invaluable members of our youthwork and wellbeing team. In 2022/23 the Paws Up program again took its place at the heart of BackTrack, with a focussed Coordinator, Francesca Andreoni, managing schools outreach, regular dog jumps and cattle trials and twice weekly dog handling training. The non-threatening, non-judgemental presence of a dog can have a powerful impact for young people in educational, social and trauma recovery settings.
“We take the dogs into the school and the kids read to the dogs. I like helping the kids learning to read and just helping them out. Chilli is always really good with the kids, and Bounce, Striker, Mulga, Gidgee and Siena are rock solid. The pressure is scary when the kids are all looking at you. They think you’re super cool… like Batman. It kinda feels good to have young ones looking up to you like a role model.“ Logan, Young Person.
Our Schools Outreach program took BackTrack dogs and young people out to the following remote Primary Schools throughout the year: Ebor Public School, Ebor Chandler Public School, Wollomombi Bald Blair Public School, Bald Blair Ben Lomond Public School, Ben Lomond Black Mountain Public School, Black Mountain
We really can’t overstate the importance of the dog program to all the work BackTrack does in turning young people’s lives around. When kids arrive at BackTrack they have often experienced complex trauma and are not ready to open up. The dogs bring connection and incredible mastery and leadership opportunities. For this reason, you’ll find them everywhere we operate with young people - at Warrah, at the Shed, at the farm, and always, in the classroom.
The BackTrack Pack – Class of 2023: Merlin, Billy, Trigger, Sam, Gidgee, Mulga, Siena, Striker, Fly, Arrow, Brooklyn, Bounce, Bullet, Blue, Lago, River, Boss, Wes, Sammi-Jo, Chilli, Whisky, Texas, Dante, Bertie, Brooklyn, Boss, Boris.
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Our
People
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BackTrack’s success comes down to the passion and commitment of our people. As at June 30 2023, BackTrack had 32 full time and 8 part time staff in BackTrack Youthworks and 9 full time, 9 part time and 15 casual staff employed in our BackTrack Works social enterprise. We are working across multiple sites in Armidale, across NSW and beyond. We have deep links in the local community within the New England region and meaningful relationships with a growing network of funders and partners who believe in our young people like we do. It is this community which makes all of our work and impact possible. BackTrack is led by a high calibre board with many decades of experience combined with the same passion for our work which drives us all. With the departure of our CEO, Mel Phillips in March 2023, we have been operating under an interim organisational structure and repositioning ourselves for the next exciting phase in our development. A new strategic plan and restructure process has begun in this financial year, with final sign off in the months to come.
* Moved on from BackTrack during the 2022/23 financial year
BackTrack Youth Works Staff
BackTrack Works Staff
Francesca Andreoni Amy Barden Lyndal Beynon Nathan Bliss Steven Bramley David Cameron Paul Dawson* Matthew Debreceny* Tom Donaghy Steve Ferguson Thomas Fredericks Mitch Fuller Darren Goulder Darren Harrison Amanda Hoswell Kathie Hunt Donna Jacobs* Todd Jacobs* Dayle Lummis Lynda Lynch Daniel Matthews Donna Morabito Brady Morris Melinda Phillips* Michael Pollard Bernie Shakeshaft James Shakeshaft* Maeve Shakeshaft Tara Sherlock Rebecca Smith Paula Thomson Jemma Tombs Damien Tomlinson Megan Walters Marcus Watson Nicole Weaver Ruby Wharton* Kellie White* Teesh Wright
Troy Adams* Robert Brookes Alex Brotherson Jonathon Brown Tyron Campbell Drew Clegg Zac Craig Christopher Davis Daniel Davis Nick Dawson Richard Duroux Stephen Gordon Brendan Gulliver Carolyn Hall Hollie Hoade Aiden Kelly* Brayden Lee-Aitken Jake Little Brenden Lowe Eric McElhenny Graeme McLean Shaun McPherson Russell Moore Josh Moylan Brendan Nean Jerry Nicolls Jason Patrick O’Connell Stephanous Olsen Justin O’Malley Brett Orcher William Peak Danny Perkins Matt Pett Luke Rankine Liam Roberts Ike Roberts Jack Ryan Matt Symington Henry Walker* Loretta Weatherall
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Our Board Bernie Shakeshaft / BackTrack Founder and Director
As the Founder of BackTrack, Bernie’s exceptional work and innovation was recognised at the 2020 Australian of the Year Awards, where he was named as Local Hero 2020. He has dedicated a lifetime to living out his passion for helping wild dogs and wild kids, using and sharing lessons learnt in remote areas of Australia, where he surrounded himself with wise and skilful Aboriginal men and old school stockmen. He founded BackTrack in 2006 and his visionary work and relentless approach to it has now seen him forge a new beginning for over 1000 young Australians.
Greg Paramor
AO / Board Chair An active and supportive Board Chair, Greg brings significant experience from his many other directorates, notably as Board Chair for Leftfield Investments, Inclusive Housing Australia and TierONE Capital, as a Board member for the Sydney Swans and Sydney Swans Foundation and as a Non-Executive Director for Charter Hall Group and Eureka Group Holdings. Greg’s career spans over 45 years in the real estate and funds management industry and includes periods as president of both the Property Council of Australia and the Investment Funds Association.
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
Philip Jarvis / Director A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Philip came to Australia after serving eight years as an officer in the British Army, where he served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Central America. Married with two teenage children and presiding across family-owned beef and sheep-grazing properties in New England, Philip is also the Managing Director of Direct Agriculture, a specialist agricultural investment advisor, facilitating investments in farmland and agribusiness for financial institutions and family offices.
Post close appointments: September 1, 2023
Janine Wood / Director
Following 40 years of executive commercial experience in the global media and advertising sector, at both a trade and consumer level, Janine closed out her career acting as lead for Community Engagement at the Sydney Invictus Games (2018). Janine values and supports not-for-profits, having held board positions including Young Achievement Australia, Trans-Tasman Netball League (ANZ Championship), and UnLtd (Undoing Youth Disadvantage For Good). Born in regional Australia, she is passionate about BackTrack’s expansion throughout rural NSW and beyond.
Zoë Robinson / Director Zoë Robinson was appointed as the Advocate for Children and Young People in January 2021. Zoë holds a law degree and a Masters of Human Rights. She previously worked as a solicitor, for Deloitte in internal strategy and was the CEO of the NSW Peak Body for Youth Homelessness, as well as previously working at the Department of Premier and Cabinet focussed on breaking disadvantage. Zoë firmly believes that children and young people should be given every opportunity to succeed and set themselves up for success, and that they should have the opportunity to choose what that means to them. Zoë believes that all children and young people should be heard, listened to and be central to the work that we do both in government, business and community.
Rob Blain / Director
Patrick Cooke / Director
Rob has more than 40 years of real estate experience, including property and asset management, strategic development, cross border activity and capital markets in Australia and across Asia.
Patrick Cooke has a Masters of Natural Science from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Indigenous Community Management and Development and first Class Honours in Indigenous Research through Curtin University.
Based in Hong Kong for 20 years, Rob transitioned to the role of Executive Chair, CBRE Asia-Pacific and continued as a member of the Global Operating Committee, before retiring from his executive career in 2019 and returning to Australia. Rob is a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute and Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Patrick is one of the Founders and Managing Director of the Mona Aboriginal Corporation which currently works with Indigenous youth engagement programs and employment and training outcomes throughout Queensland and Northern Territory. Patrick is a proud Gungalida man from the gulf region in Northern Australia and is about capacity building and encouraging Indigenous people both young and old to strive to their full potential.
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
41
Government grants
s Donations and philanthropic grant
Donations and philanthropic grants
These financial statements cover BackTrack Youth Works and our social enterprise entity, BackTrack Works.
Government grants
Other, inc cattle sales
Financials and Funding
BackTrack Youth Works Revenue
Philanthropic organisations, corporates and other donors continue to make up the vast majority of our funding mix, comprising over 75% of our consolidated revenue. This includes the donations to enable us to purchase Cubba Cubbah. Cubba Cubbah is valued at $1.652 in our Financial Statements, including the land and buildings, equipment, and livestock. In 2022/23 we continued to deliver on several Government grants to support the BackTrack Works social enterprise.
Donations and philanthropic grants: 5668 Government grants: 434
YESIP, Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLER) and Bushfire Community Recovery & Resilience Fund (BCRRF) were all grants awarded in 2022 and have largely now finished. These grants are very specific in the activities we need to complete or the areas where we can spend the grant money. One of these has been instrumental in allowing us to expand the BackTrack Network into Tenterfield.
Consolidated Revenue Donations and philanthropic grants: 6610 Government grants: 1179
During the year we completed our upgrade of the Armidale HQ and this allowed us to recognise revenue of $257k of the Stronger Communities Grant to assist to contribute to the upgrade cost of $795k. We also continued to improve the Warrah residential asset with additional services around the tiny homes there.
Goods and Services revenue: 606 Other, inc cattle sales: 252
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
Goods and Services revenue: 742
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BackTrack Works Revenues
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The remarkable generosity of BackTrack donors has again enabled us to achieve our goal of retaining 12 months earnings this financial year a common approach amongst charities to ensure the longevity of our work. We believe that striving for this goal each year is necessary to ensure the medium and long-term future of BackTrack. As reported earlier, in June 2023 we established the BackTrack Foundation and we determined that we would contribute $1m towards the Foundation to kick start the building phase.
Goods and Services revenue
Other, inc cattle sales
Other, inc cattle sales: 252
Government grants: 745 Donations and philanthropic grants: 942
Matty learning the ropes from our tractor mechanic
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Youth Works Financials BackTrack Youth Works Ltd ABN: 66 612 831 919
Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income For the Year Ended 30 June 2023
Consolidated
Parent
2023
2022
$ 8,647,475 (1,034,941) (4,016,383) (253,888) (300,630) (199,531) (313,349) (315,792) (197,195) (1,450,829) (11,754)
$ 6,861,168 (3,391,277) (174,905) (234,527) (193,565) (416,178) (181,726) (81,050) (1,077,891) (18,686)
6,354,028 (1,034,941) (2,754,786) (211,164) (204,803) (157,531) (315,792) (100,115) (1,022,169) (11,719)
5,296,460 (2,310,874) (140,973) (159,236) (186,597) (181,726) (78,200) (1,109,510) (17,151)
Surplus for the year Other comprehensive income
553,183 -
1,091,363 -
541,008 -
1,112,193 -
Total comprehensive income
553,183
1,091,363
541,008
1,112,193
Income Contribution to set up Foundation Employee benefits expense Depreciation and amortisation expense Motor vehicle costs Materials and hardware Supervisors and contractors Investment in the Tracker Network Consultancy Other expenses Finance costs
Note 4 2(k)
2023
2022
$
$
BackTrack Youth Works Ltd ABN: 66 612 831 919
Statement of Financial Position As At 30 June 2023
Consolidated Note ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Prepayments
5 6
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment
7
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Borrowings Employee benefits Income in advance
8 9 10 11
Parent
2023
2022
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
5,649,574 373,591 161,463
6,766,825 365,886 47,036
5,396,601 206,652 161,463
6,531,548 160,528 46,551
6,184,628
7,179,747
5,764,716
6,738,627
4,172,548
1,574,324
4,059,905
1,442,374
4,172,548
1,574,324
4,059,905
1,442,374
10,357,176
8,754,071
9,824,621
8,181,001
437,976 34,644 205,721 2,433,817
336,258 75,170 216,817 971,992
269,113 34,644 167,875 2,295,965
384,739 57,170 185,452 575,625
2,767,597
1,202,986 5
14,847 62,974
456,551 83,269
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 3,112,158 1,600,237
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Borrowings Employee benefits TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS
EQUITY Reserves Accumulated surpluses TOTAL EQUITY
44
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
9 10
14,847 62,974
456,551 83,269
77,821
539,820
77,821
539,820
3,189,979
2,140,057
2,845,418
1,742,806
7,167,197
6,614,014
6,979,203
6,438,195
538,708 6,628,489
538,708 6,075,306
538,708 6,440,495
538,708 5,899,487
7,167,197
6,614,014
6,979,203
6,438,195
Works Financials BackTrack Works Ltd ABN: 52 626 763 068
Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income For the Year Ended 30 June 2023
2023
2022
$ 2,429,444 (1,306,613) (42,724) (211,069) (97,080) (95,827) (155,818) (48,000) (71,561) (41,912) (171,106) (175,517) (35)
$ 1,972,048 (1,124,956) (33,932) (231,395) (2,850) (75,293) (229,581) (27,952) (87,408) (14,859) (6,178) (156,939) (1,535)
Deficit/surplus for the year
12,182
(20,830)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
12,182
(20,830)
Revenue Employee benefits expense Depreciation expense Materials and hardware Consultancy Motor vehicle costs Supervisors - contractors Bookkeeper BTYW contract work Staff expenses development and training Workers compensation Other expenses Finance costs
Note 4
Total comprehensive BackTrack Works (loss)/income Ltd ABN: 52 626 763 068
Statement of Financial Position As At 30 June 2023
Note ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Prepayments
5 6
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment
7
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Borrowings Employee benefits Income in advance
8 9 10 11
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS
EQUITY Accumulated surplus TOTAL EQUITY
2023
2022
$
$
252,973 305,584 -
235,277 468,918 484
558,557
704,679
112,643
131,950
112,643
131,950
671,200
836,629
307,508 37,846 137,852
215,085 18,000 31,365 396,367
483,206
660,817 6
483,206
660,817
187,994
175,812
187,994
175,812
187,994
175,812
Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
45
Credits & Acknowledgments Photo Acknowledgements
Our Thanks
Cover photo care of The Land Newspaper. Photos throughout thanks to Paul Shakeshaft, Simon Scott and BackTrack staff. Design and printing provided probono by Pressroom Philanthropy.
The BackTrack Way is unique, and so is our funding model. Our work is made possible only by the passion, dedication and generosity of so many people and organisations. These days, there are too many to list – a good problem to have but one that weighs on our minds. We are so very grateful to the financial supporters who make all our work possible.
Contact Details BackTrack Youth Works 15-17 Grafton Road PO Box 4436 Armidale NSW 2350 T: 02 6771 3577 E: enquiries@backtrack.org.au W: www.backtrack.org.au Donate: www.backtrack.org.au/donate Facebook: www.facebook.com/BackTrackYouth Instagram: www.instagram.com/backtrackyouthworks LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/backtrack-youthworks
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Backtrack Annual Report 2022-2023
We extend the generosity that is woven through the heart of BackTrack and say to all of our donors and supporters: you are an integral part of the BackTrack family. We’re an eclectic bunch, but we make some pretty amazing things happen together. Thanks for walking with us.
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