Ex-Gunnedah youth officer Bernie Shakeshaft has taken out the title of Australia's Local Hero.
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The BackTrack Youth Works founder received the award at the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra on Saturday night.
He received the 2020 NSW Local Hero Award at the NSW Australian of the Year Awards in November.
Mr Shakeshaft dedicates his days to the BackTrack program, helping youth who have lost their way
Since the unique program was formed in 2016, he and his team have changed the lives of more than 1000 youth.
Chair of the National Australia Day Council, Danielle Roche OAM, congratulated the 2020 Australian of the Year Award recipients and highlighted their unique contributions.
"Bernie Shakeshaft took the initiative to help and support young people in need, helping to build stronger individuals, communities and futures at the same time," she said.
"Our 2020 Australians of the Year are great examples of the Australian spirit - people who saw a problem and decided to take it upon themselves to solve it, unsung heroes working to make a difference, champions who have risen to the top through sheer commitment and hard work, and those lending a helping hand where it's needed most."
