More than 100 Greater Bank staff and their families attended Event Cinemas Kotara on Mon 24 June to celebrate the work of long-standing charity partner, BackTrack, with a special screening of BackTrack Boys.
The documentary follows three boys and their progression through the BackTrack program as they struggle to deal with traumatic upbringings and forge new paths for their future.
Back Track is a not-for-profit community organisation that aides and assists young people in the New England region who are struggling to reconnect with education and training. The documentary explores the need for communities to integrate real alternatives for at-risk youth that encourages them to make better life choices.
Since 2014, Greater Bank has provided more than $200,000 in funding to BackTrack’s AgLads program, an initiative that provides practical skills, training and experience, as well as pathways for young boys to locally relevant employment opportunities.
From its humble beginnings in Armidale, BackTrack has grown significantly and its model is now being utilised across regional NSW.
Conor MacGregor and Shannan Feneley, current and former Armidale Branch Managers, along with other members of their respective teams, have volunteered with BackTrack in recent years.
“I started volunteering with BackTrack a few years ago and have since gained a greater understanding and appreciation of just how much the organisation’s program helps disadvantaged youth ultimately lead happier and more productive lives,” said Conor.
Through her work with the BackTrack team, Shannan has personally assisted some of the young boys involved in the Aglads program to complete tax returns and other tasks that underpin financial independence.
“BackTrack is focused on sparking action towards a whole-of-community approach to working with young people at risk of social exclusion, particularly in rural and regional areas like Armidale,”
- Shannan Feneley, Branch Manager - Cessnock
The BackTrack Boys film really highlights just how incredible the program is and the life-changing outcomes it has and continues to achieve for these boys.
The film night presented an opportunity for employees and their families to see the true impact of Greater Bank’s community support and the incredible work our partners do to assist those in need in the places we call home.