Armidale Regional Council staff have a thing or two to learn from BackTrack’s youth, according to council administrator Ian Tiley.
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And that’s one of the reasons why the Armidale-based youth service is teaming up with the council under a new memorandum of understanding.
The agreement will see council executives and senior staff spend time with BackTrack kids as they work to break down employment barriers.
The idea came to Dr Tiley after a visit to the group's headquarters last year. “I was really taken by the work that Bernie and his team are doing with these boys,” he said.
BackTrack will also be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Dumaresq Dam under a new agreement.
“Having a job is a basic human right,” Dr Tiley said. “It’s about enriching their lives, showing them that there is life to be enjoyed.”
Founder Bernie Shakeshaft said the agreement further strengthened the 12-year relationship between BackTrack and the council. “Council has been one of our foundation supporters.”