BOYS TO THE BUSH
A rapidly growing group across NSW assisting boys between 8 and 20 years old, on a mission to assist boys to become good men.
Removing boys from troubled environments and distractions, replacing them with positive influences, mentoring and a sense of belonging, helps build self-respect, mateship, resilience and confidence.
These interventions reduce homelessness, addictions, juvenile incarceration, self-harm and suicide. BttB aim to build better men, partners, husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and employees.
Founded in Albury in 2017, the organisation has expanded to provide services in Forbes, Bathurst, Young, Leeton, Dubbo, Wellington, Wagga Wagga, Wangaratta, Echuca and Bendigo plus reviewing options of establishing in Orange, Tamworth, Yass and Canberra.
BttB has positively impacted over 7,000 lives through involvement across a range of programs, including one-on-one MENtoring Programs, Camps, School Programs, Education Programs, Alternative Care Arrangements and Community Engagement Days. Ongoing support is provided to over 75% of the youth engaged with Boys to the Bush programs.
In 2022, they were recognised with “The Most Outstanding Community Organisation” award by Business NSW.
During the ride we’ll meet some of the BttB team and the young men who are benefitting from their services. The Ride To Give 2025 rider team is looking forward to raising funds and leaving a lasting legacy to support the operation and continued success of BttB.
BACKTRACK YOUTH WORKS
Empowering Armidale’s youth with holistic support and life-changing opportunities.
Before 2006 many of Armidale’s young people fell through the cracks of a system that wasn’t meeting their complex needs. It was leading to a cycle of homelessness, juvenile crime, substance abuse and unemployment – and causing serious psychological distress.
Armidale local, Bernie Shakeshaft, was determined to change things.
He hoped to give troubled kids a place to grow, develop life and work skills and ultimately plan and build a future. So he started BackTrack.
Designed to help young people find their place and chase their dreams, grow and become independent, BackTrack offers flexible, holistic, long-term support. The organisation supports every aspect of a young person’s life – from helping them connect with the community and supporting individual wellbeing to helping their personal development and providing learning and employment opportunities.
BackTrack has grown into a community that works flexibly with each person’s needs – offering a safe and supportive environment that provides the foundations they need to find stability. Their education program helps kids feel empowered to study, teaching students multiple learning methods to help them manage time constraints and other pressures. In addition, the BackTrack Works program provides young people with vocational, on-the-job training and work experience that is aligned with Armidale’s job market. Students get real experience working on local projects in agriculture, asset maintenance, construction, fabrication, traffic management and disaster recovery.
FDC and Friends are proud to be contributing to such an important and life changing cause through Ride to Give 2025.
