Disengaged young people are taking the opportunity to transform their lives as part of the new partnership between local early intervention youth program, RiverTracks and Murwillumbah Community Gardens.
Each week, the youth take part in everything from building planter boxes and compost bays to whipper snipping, landscaping and using hand tools – guided by youth workers and skilled tradespeople.
Since forming the partnership earlier this year, young participants have gained real-world experience, mentorship and a space to grow.
RiverTracks Program Manager, Christopher Rowland said it’s great to see the young locals getting involved in an initiative that’s not only helping themselves but the wider community too.
‘The community garden gives us a base to do the work, but the real goal is psychosocial recovery,’ said Christopher.
‘We work with young people to build their confidence and reengage with school or community in a positive way. The gardening and construction tasks are just the vehicle – we meet them where they’re at and walk alongside them.’
Alongside the practical skills, the program fosters emotional resilience and teamwork in a supportive, non-confrontational environment, giving the young people space to be themselves.
‘Some of these kids haven’t been in a classroom for months. While they’re digging or building, it opens up space for honest conversations about what’s going on in their lives,’ said Christopher.
Sixteen-year-old Mali is one of many young people whose lives have been turned around through RiverTracks over the past 12 months.
‘It has helped me become a decent and more respectful person and taught me how to communicate with people different to me. I’ve also learned a lot of trade skills and life skills,’ said Mali.
RiverTracks has been operating since 2021 and has helped more than 100 young people. In addition to helping the Community Garden rebuild, the program sees young people helping elderly community members with garden work and soon, working on a Tweed Shire Council and Landcare initiative to restore sugar glider habitat in the Murwillumbah area.
Murwillumbah Community Gardens President, Pamela O’Connor said the volunteering work by the young people has been greatly appreciated.
The collaboration has been a wonderful experience for the garden team in introducing young people to aspects of food production and basic gardening practices,’ said Pamela. ‘We hope we can continue to share the space and work together in creating and caring for a wonderful community project.’
Looking for a permanent home
RiverTracks is currently without a permanent base after losing their former space under the local Scout Hall. Despite this, the program has pivoted to become ‘mobile’ for now.
‘We’re looking for a space to rent – it could be a hall, shed or house in the Murwillumbah area,’ said Christopher.
‘We’re open to creative or shared-use arrangements. With a permanent space, the team will be able to increase the activities they would normally offer to young people, such as cooking skills, tool training and indoor workshops.’
Donate
RiverTracks accepts referrals for young people aged 12 to 20 years who are disengaged from school and looking for an alternative pathway. The RiverTracks programs are funded by donations from the community, charitable foundations and NSW Government Youth Program Grants. All donations to RiverTracks are tax deductible.
For more information, contact Program Manager Christopher Rowland via email at [email protected]. To donate or support RiverTracks and their valuable work, visit www.rivertracks.org.
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