BackTrack's Tiny Homes project, which will provide accommodation in self-contained cabins, has received support from Rotary.
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The Tiny Homes scheme is designed to provide a pathway to independence for young people and the Rotary Club of Armidale has donated $10,000 towards it.
Four stand-alone, self contained cabins are being erected on site at Warrah - BackTrack's local residence - as a step-up from living under supervision in the house on the property.
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They are small one-room structures equipped with bathrooms, kitchenettes, cupboard space, lounge chair, TV and overhead bunk.
This will enable the young residents to widen their social lives by inviting friends and family to visit.
They have to earn this privilege by either being involved in work or education five days a week.
In return it gives BackTrack the opportunity to teach the young people - typically aged around 17 - domestic lifestyle skills like cooking and washing and ironing - a further step in the journey towards independance and personal responsibility.
What is lacking is recreational space for social interaction.
An area is to be developed near the homes to incorporate, shade, seating and a large barbecue for this to happen. It will also serve as a meeting place for visiting groups and other Backtrack functions.
Much of the work will be carried out by BackTrack students themselves, many who are involved in learning technical skills such as welding.
Rotarians will be working alongside young BackTrack people to clear and develop the area, and the club believes that this engagement will be beneficial to both parties.
Rotary Club of Armidale President Hugh Beattie recently presented BackTrack with the $10,000 donation.
Mr Beattie is really enthusiastic about the project, and recently had the opportunity to present the project nationally to the Governor-General, and Rotary clubs nationwide, on the occasion of the centenary of Rotary in Australia.
"The Tiny Homes project represents a great step up for young people navigating their way through the Backtrack program," he said.
"Eventually they will be able to join the community with confidence, a rental history, financial skills and demonstrated proof that they can be independently responsible."
Bernie Shakeshaft, for his part, had some heartfelt words to describe BackTrack's partnership with the Rotary Club of Armidale.
"In 2006, when we were very much feeling our way, the Rotary Club of Armidale was one of the first volunteer organisations to help with the heavy lifting," he said.
"Its great that our partnership is still so strong today."
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