2fold: Investing for impact, Episode 10 with Bernie Shakeshaft

This podcast episode features Bernie Shakeshaft, founder of BackTrack Youth Works, who shares how animal-assisted agricultural learning transforms at-risk youth, expands across Australia, and keeps kids engaged and hopeful.

Stay up to date

Join 20,000+ subscribers for market insights, top stock picks, and social impact updates from the Future Generation network.

After seeing the plight of disadvantaged youth in his community, Bernie Shakeshaft decided to take action. Starting in 2006 with a shed and an idea, Bernie founded the BackTrack Youth Works Program, in an effort to turn around the lives of kids struggling to stay in school, stay out of trouble and falling through the cracks. Using the skills he developed growing up and as a jackaroo in the Northern Territory learning from the Aboriginal trackers, Bernie has developed an award-winning program that involves animal-assisted learning, agricultural skills and a residential facility. In this episode, Bernie shares the unique story behind BackTrack, the organisation’s plans to expand across the country and how we can keep at-risk kids alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams.

Listen time 39 minutes.

Read the transcript.

Available on all major streaming platforms:


 

 

Recommendations

Register for the Future Generation Australia FY2025 Q&A Webinar

Hear from Future Generation Founder Geoff Wilson AO and Chief Investment Officer Lee Hopperton. More details to come.

Register for the Future Generation Global FY2025 Q&A Webinar

Hear from Future Generation Founder Geoff Wilson AO, Chief Investment Officer Lee Hopperton and pro bono fund manager Dr David Allen.

Star stockpicker says avoid CBA and buy this bank instead

This stockpicker is outperforming the market. Find out how to back market winners and which stock everyday investors should own right now.

Top fundies reveal 17 stock picks and the big trends to watch in 2026

Future Generation fund managers share their 17 stock picks and the big trends to watch in 2026 with the Australian Financial Review.