The Youth Enterprise Trust


The Youth Enterprise Trust conducts a wilderness program that stands as a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood and is aimed at disadvantaged young Australians aged 16 to 24 years. The program helps young people discover a deep sense of connection to their country and community, and the drive to achieve their own goals.
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The Youth Enterprise Trust is based at Woodstock, a beautiful 300 acre farm on the Albert River at the base of Mount Tamborine. Most young people who attend its programs are referred to us from youth agencies such as alternative education providers, schools, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres. The wilderness experience occurs at Saddler Springs, a remote 20,000 acre property adjoining Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffat National Parks in Central Queensland, at Junjuddie Flat. Junjuddie Flat is a pioneer-style bush outstation, hidden in an enclosed valley at the foot of 1,000 metre cliffs. Each course is single sex with a maximum of nine participants.

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“The activity gives a sense of accomplishment: it’s hard, it’s tough, and they can look back and say: ‘I did that’. We see young men leave us with their heads held high, with a sense of real pride in what they have done, a real sense of who they are. We encourage respect for the bush, for each other, for the guides, for whoever is talking. Many of them haven’t had an adult say: ‘we respect you, we want to listen to what you’ve got to say”. – Jeanette, Community Liaison Officer

What worked in the Youth Enterprise Trust wilderness experience?

  • Offering challenging opportunities that provide a sense of accomplishment
  • Enabling young people to use their personal resources and to work together
  • Providing a very structured program led by experienced people
  • Maintaining contact for twelve months after each program

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