A Liberal Nationals Coalition Government would help transform the BackTrack Youth Works’ Shed, from a 1970s-era depot into a fit-for-purpose hub.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce announced the $600,000 investment to help breathe new life into the home of the innovative BackTrack model, which has been turning the lives of vulnerable young people around since 2005.
"With this investment, we are helping to ensure BackTrack, whose amazing volunteers, youth leaders and mentors, work so hard to ensure we can give kids another chance, off the street and into work and skills," Mr Joyce said.
The grant will help allow BackTrack, which also attracts funding from individuals, foundations, local community groups and corporate philanthropy, to further develop the site into a fit-for-purpose youth hub, guided by BackTrack’s Youth Leadership Crew.
The site is also home to BackTrack's alternate school, flexible education for young people who have disengaged from mainstream classrooms, as well as the wellbeing team which provides wraparound support services, including drug and alcohol counselling, holistic support including clothing, food, court support and transport.
The site is also a base for skills development, accredited training, and paid employment opportunities.
The project will also draw on philanthropy and community funding.
BackTrack CEO Marcus Watson said BackTrack has a longstanding presence in Armidale and is a proven model of holistic youth work that helps young people get their lives back on track.
"Our current HQ is a 1970s-era depot and these crucial upgrades will enhance service delivery and belonging in Armidale and also help us to strengthen our back of house operations with the hope that we can help more young people in the region and beyond, well into the future," Mr Watson said.
"We’re particularly excited about the involvement of our Youth Leadership Crew who would inform and work on this Armidale project, and we always look forward to supporting the establishment of programs that replicate the BackTrack methodology in new communities via the BackTrack Network.”
Mr Joyce challenged the Australian Labor Party to match the $600,000 funding promise.
"BackTrack delivers tangible results and deserves support to help prevent crime, with excellent initiatives such as the new night crew which provides safe, structured late-night support for young people at risk," he said.
“BackTrack is putting people where they are needed, at the right times to steer kids away from trouble.
"With a history of success and the BackTrack Network spreading its know-how, BackTrack is poised to amplify this investment impact far beyond Armidale, across regional and rural NSW."