THE BACKTRACK STORY

IT ALL STARTED IN 2006

BackTrack was established in Armidale, NSW, when founder Bernie Shakeshaft saw vulnerable young people being left behind by a mainstream system that couldn’t meet their complex needs.

He saw them facing challenges that made it incredibly difficult to connect with their community, participate in education and training, or find employment. They were dropping out of school, getting into trouble and falling through the cracks. Armidale needed a youth program that could engage young people, help them develop life and work skills, and help them plan their future.

With a shed, a passionate crew of volunteers, a pack of working dogs and a mission to keep kids alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams, the BackTrack dream was born.

"YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE MOST HONEST BAROMETER OF WHERE WE'RE AT AS A SOCIETY"

~ BackTrack Founder, Bernie Shakeshaft

Our Founder

Bernie Shakeshaft is the Founder and Director of BackTrack, with 25+ years of youth work experience.

Bernie was named Australian of the Year Local Hero (2020), National Rural Health Alliance Unsung Hero (2019), and has received the Spera Australian Rural Education Award (2018), the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award (2017), a Churchill Fellowship (2014) and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of New England (2020). He and BackTrack were the subject of the award-winning documentary 'Backtrack Boys' and the biography 'Back on Track'.

After almost two decades, BackTrack has been recognised at local, state and national levels for its positive impact on young people who need support, and their entire community.

2005

The BackTrack idea is born, as are Girl, Lou and Zorro - part of the first litter of Border Collie pups.

The Magnificent Seven (BackTrack's first participants) join the program.

2006

BackTrack moves into the shed in Armidale.

Paws Up and IronMan Welders programs start.

2007

BackTrack wins the dog jump at the State of Origin in Melbourne.

We come under Armidale Family Support Services and receive our first cheque for $500.

2008

The Magnificent Seven all in paid employment as BackTrack programs expand.

2009

AgLads program kicks off and hits the ground running with great success.

2010

BackTrack comes under Jobs Australia Enterprises.

Winners of NSW Premier’s Community Service Award.

2011

BackTrack provide disaster recovery support for the first time following the Mingoola floods.

2012

Bindi from the BackTrack Pack achieves national record for high jump.

2013

BackTrack kids help with Coonabarabran bushfire recovery as part of ongoing community support.

2014

Classroom is built at the shed and the Running Strong (for girls) and School Outreach programs start.

2015

Classroom and Warrah (accomodation) programs start.

Awarded NSW Youth Service of the Year.

2016

BackTrack becomes an independent entity.

Then Governor of NSW, Mr Hurley & Mrs Hurley become the first patrons of BackTrack.

2017

Winners of Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award.

Paws Up border collie pups (including Gidgee, Mulga, Billy & Brooklyn) born – grand-pups of Girl.

2018

BackTrack Works kicks off operations and employs first young person.

BackTrack Everywhere (now Network) launched.

Backtrack Boys documentary released and is screened at film festivals across Australia picking up several accolades including Sydney Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best Documentary and Cinefest official selection.

2019

BackTrack Works wins NSW Social Enterprise Award.

Back on Track book launched.

2020

Young people helped landowners with bushfire recovery in NSW.

Bernie Shakeshaft is awarded Australia’s Local Hero for Australian of the Year.

2021

Jack wins New England Regional Trainee of the Year.

Tiny Homes built at Warrah.

2022

BackTrack is gifted Cubba Cubbah farm.

BackTrack young people build Kangaroo & Emu sculpture for Government House, Canberra.