A new work experience initiative, the Rivers to Ranges program, is launching to address youth unemployment and boost environmental stewardship in the Tweed, Ballina and Byron Shires.

The program is an eight-week pilot designed to give young people aged 13 to 18 a direct path to purpose-driven work in the growing environmental sector.

Developed and proposed by RiverTracks Incorporated, the program is a collaborative community effort with initial partners including Tweed Landcare.

The Rivers to Ranges program offers a hands-on, immersive experience with local environmental organisations. Over eight weeks, young people engaged with the Rivertracks program will spend one day per week receiving a half-day training session from a different environmental organisation, focusing on low-risk practical skills involved in their daily work.

The program aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Provide practical work experience and develop essential employability skills like teamwork, punctuality, communication, and field safety.
• Enhance environmental literacy and a sense of stewardship among young people.
• Connect youth with potential employers and pathways for further training and traineeships, including providing a locally recognised certificate of completion.
• Foster social inclusion through participation in meaningful community work.

Christopher Rowland, RiverTracks Youth Program Manager and Program Lead for Rivers to Ranges, notes that the program is designed for youth who are "disengaged from mainstream education or seeking meaningful, purpose-driven work".

Responding to Local Need

The Northern Rivers region currently faces a high youth unemployment rate, even as the environmental sector expands and seeks skilled, passionate workers. This program directly responds to this gap, aiming to help young people overcome barriers to employment such as geographic isolation and lack of practical experience by engaging them in on-Country, outdoor, and hands-on environmental work.

By engaging youth in on-Country, outdoor, and hands-on environmental work, the program improves confidence, skill development, and connection to community.

River Tracks will be providing crucial support for the program, including coordination, transport, youth worker supervision, insurance, and risk management. Partner organisations will contribute staff expertise, site access, and field session delivery.

Get Involved

The proposed start date for the pilot program is Term 1, 2026. RiverTracks aims for Rivers to Ranges to become a recurring seasonal program with the long-term goal of establishing paid traineeships and environmental micro-credentials recognised across the region.

River Tracks is actively seeking involvement and support from the broader community, including:

• Additional Environmental Organisations: To expand the collaborative network and provide more diverse work experience.
• Local Employers and Businesses: To connect young people with employment opportunities, traineeships, or further training pathways.
• Schools and TAFE: To explore future partnership and expansion opportunities.

Interested community members, organisations, and potential partners are encouraged to get in touch via the details below:

• Program Lead: Christopher Rowland 
• Organisation: RiverTracks Incorporated 
• Phone: 0481084499 
• Email: christopher@rivertracks.org