North Tracks Works will offer a lifeline to struggling young people by reconnecting them back into the community, practical learning to help them find employment and life- changing opportunities that create hope and pathways for a better future.

We have a Home !!!

Who are we?

North-Tracks Works is a youth program based in Lismore. The program is designed to uplift disadvantaged youth by providing resources, support and development opportunities that can lead to personal growth, enhanced employment potential and community engagement. Our comprehensive approach addresses various needs, creating measurable outcomes for success. North Tracks measures the success of participants through the daily transformation of each young person changing the way they see themselves and the world around them. Experienced Youth Workers guide the young people through the programs.

Where are We ? It looks a little rough but we now have a home. The old men’s shed in Norco Lane, South Lismorehas been made available to North Tracks to set up thier work space. It was submerged in the floods so you can imagine the state it is in. You can volunteer to help clean it up. This gives us a safe, permanent place to provide programs for the young people. Follow us as we clean up the space and start works that will change lives.

Lismore CETNAJ have kindly assisted us with electrical products.Bunnings Lismore have also supported us with tools to work with.

What do we do? – Our Programs  The objective of the initial 10 week program is to:

  • Equip youth with life skills for personal development
  • Enhance job readiness through practical training and workshops.
  • Develop a supportive and creative environment for self expression and exploration.
  • Build robust connections to the community and local resources.
  • Foster social and emotional resiliance via therapeutic interventions.
  • Promote active community involvement among the youth.

We start with belonging because you can’t do anything to help a kid and change their trajectory unless you’re giving them something to feel connected to. Once a young person feels that connection, we can think about their learning. That can look like mastering a vocational skill or being out on the job or figuring out those life skills they need to share a home or have a family. This experience of mastery is very personal because it ultimately depends on their own goals. We think this ability to have a say in their own lives and take ownership over what matters to them is what independence is all about. And finally, we’re looking to help them experience generosity. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of these opportunities at BackTrack and we are lucky enough to attract countless people who want to offer their help.”

      – Bernie Shakeshaft (Founder, BackTrack Youth Works)

Community Participation and Programs

Initially North Tracks was working along side Lismore Mens and Community Shed, help restore flood affected tools and build pallet furniture. The Men at the shed helped our Young People learning new skills and gave them a place to start their North Tracks journey.

North Tracks also worked along side ARRG (Animal Rights and Rescue Group) in Lismore,  building pallet furniture for the ARRG, OpShop that was flood affected. The furniture has been very well received from the ladies at the OpShop, bookcases, shelving, 2 tier tables, low lining tables and more have been made and donated.

The North Track team were part of the Lismore Resilience (flood relief), 2 rooms project. Helping the Lismore community get back on its feet. The Young People have been learning to Gyprock working in teams with other community members on a volunteer basis. The North Track Team also spent 2 days helping re-paint a local business in the Centre of town. The Young People have learnt new hands on trade skills, as well as how to work in a team with new people and build relationships and skills that they can carry with them through life. One of our Young People shared a emotional hug from a house owner whom was very appreciative of the work that he had done during his time with Lismore Resilience, this was great for his self esteem and a connection made between community.

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How Can You Help?

This is a list of ideas, but if you have other ideas Please get in touch >>>>>>

  • Donations, we now have a DGR charity status, Your donations are tax deductible. Every $1 counts
  • Fundraise for us.
  • Volunteer your experience as a tradesperson.
  • Sponsor a young person for a term.
  • Offer workplace experiences.
  • Downsizing ? Got a shed full of tools? The guys at NorthTracks would be happy to have them, as at the moment they are working with borrowed tools.
  • Yard Work gear for our social enterprise: lawn mowers, ride ons, blowers, pressure cleaners, whipper snippers, window cleaners, safety gear.
  • Building materials; Trades tools: from spanners to power tools for our workshop.
  • Internet, Phone, Computers, IT equipment.
  • Fuel Cards and vouchers for relevant shops.
  • Adventure gear; water craft; ropes and climbing gear, bicycles, etc.
  • Camping gear; swags; tarps; water containers; etc…
  • Food donations of prepared food for us to use for breakfast, lunch or on overnight camps.

Contacts

Email: info@northtracksworks.org.au

https://northtracksworks.org.au

Facebook:www.facebook.com/northtracksyouthworks

Chair of Board  – Patrick Higgins M: 0416 218 933

Youth Programs Manager –

North-Tracks Works

4 Norco Lane LISMORE NSW 2480

Latest Blog Post

Dogs and Connections – Lunch and then birdbox building!

Our young people had a busy day yesterday at North Tracks Works, the morning started off with one of our volunteers (Joe Leven) who brought in his working dogs for the young people to do hands on grounding work to build a connection and trust with their dog before training their dog to jump over a wooden adjustable wall🐾

After an exciting yet rewarding morning, the young people cooked up a sizzling storm 🧅🍔beef sausages and pattie burgers😋 the group worked together when preparing their meals such as cutting onions, preparing the bread rolls, flipping the sausages and patties ensuring they’re cooked evenly👌🏼
with full belly’s and plenty of laughter amongst the group the young people then helped clean up, wash and dry the dishes then pack away any left over food.
The remainder of the afternoon involved the young people working together to use the machinery to measure, cut, glue and nail wooden bird boxes🐣
If you or anyone young that you know would like to get involved with North Tracks Works or have any questions please reach out on:
Chair of Board – Patrick Higgins
Mobile: 0416 218 933
Email: info@northtracksworks.org.au
North-Tracks Works
Address: 4 Norco Lane LISMORE NSW 2480
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Becoming Part of the Back Tracks Network

Kevin and Patrick have just returned from two days at @backtrackyouthworks A lot of info to take in , however a great experience. We got to connect with members of the Tracker Network, listen to Bernie on the skill set for youth work when communicating with young people, and insight into their Night Patrol program that was initiated by the older YP that have gone through the program,. This has drastically dropped the number of car thefts and break-ins. We have come away inspired by the work they do in Armidale and the work other Trackers are doing in their communities.
Good catch up with the guys from River Tracks. It was a very interesting session they ran for us. No one gets out of the circle work when at Back Tracks.
If you are interested in helping young people change their lives contact Patrick at info@northtracksworks.org.au

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Clean up Starts at Norco Lane, Sth Lismore

Lots of cleaning up to do to get it ready for our youth programs for 2024.

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If you want to go fast, go alone:

If you want to go far, go together.

– African proverb

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