The Greater Building Society donated $110,000 to the Armidale-based BackTrack for its AgLads program. Greater Building Society head of marketing and distribution Matt Hingston joined Armidale branch manager Wendy Ng, BackTrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft and some of the 15 current AgLads program participants at a local work experience training farm in Armidale to announce the funding. 

Mr Hingston said the funding would allow for the recruitment of a full-time co-ordinator this year, assist with program-related costs and allow for researchers at the University of New England to formally evaluate the program. 

Mr Shakeshaft said that under the AgLads program, young people worked on local training farms and acquired accredited skills in fencing, stock handling, heavy machinery and other rural operations. 

Some participants go on to paid BackTrack contracting teams on farms and gain a certification in agriculture.

“AgLads gives young people who have lost their way an opportunity to reconnect with their education and training, to become work ready, find jobs, lead happy and productive lives and participate fully in the community. When you change the life outcomes for these youth, you improve the overall quality of community life,” Mr Shakeshaft said.

Ms Ng surprised the AgLads participants by presenting them each with a $50 LifeSaver account.