Supporting young people in finding themselves

BACKINTRACKTION seeks to make a difference in the lives of young people throughout Bass Coast and South Gippsland.

BACKinTRACKtion connects with young people aged 12-19, who are struggling with mental health and life’s pressures. 

They offer programs and activities such as:

• Farming from a holistic sustainable approach (including shearing, fencing, mustering, growing foods),

• Services reaching out into the community (firewood collecting and delivering, bushfire and flood rebuilding),

• Working with animals -especially those that require leadership (like working dogs and horses).

The organisation is available for schools and families.

Margie Matheson, founder and facilitator, said they are seeking local businesses to help sponsor participants to undertake the program.

Margie explained that it costs $400 per day for a participant and asking local businesses, organisations and families to commit to $100 per week, for a minimum of six months. 

She is passionate about community supporting community.

One such business who has jumped onboard is Wonthaggi Tyrepower’s Kris Baker, who said it was a great cause to be involved with.

“We decided to help out as much as we could,” Kris said.

“It’s a worthwhile cause, I was a bit of a ‘run amok’ kid as well and an older chap guided me in the right direction.

“Otherwise, I certainly wouldn’t be here.

“This program helps guide young people that are on the edge, and that’s where I was too when I was about 15-16 years old.” 

Margie highlighted that, “Kris (from Tyrepower) has sponsored a young person from Leongatha to come to us one day a fortnight,” she said.

“What that does is builds a connection with the young person and the business… and expands how our community see each other.

“Then what we do is to teach or share the idea about generosity.

“So for example, the Biketoberfest is coming up and because Kris is a sponsor, this young person is going to come along to the festival and sell raffle tickets for another project in our community.”

For more information, please visit backintracktion.com.au/