Building Pathways for Young People to Thrive
When Jill Ashley and Paul Ireland launched ShoreTrack in 2020, they set out to create real opportunities for young people across the Nambucca Valley to fulfil their potential. In just six years, that vision is already making an impact, as ShoreTrack has engaged 652 participants, boosted school attendance through their Track Back program, and helped the vast majority of early school leavers transition into paid employment.
Drawing on their backgrounds in teaching, Jill and Paul have designed innovative programs that develop trade skills, provide mentorship, and foster meaningful community engagement, directly addressing school disengagement.
At the heart of ShoreTrack is a simple but powerful idea: creating pathways for young people who may otherwise fall through the cracks.
This is their story and the work behind ShoreTrack’s social enterprise, STeps.
Every journey has a starting point. What was the moment that sparked the idea for a social enterprise?
“STeps morphed from a learning model designed for our young people who required hands-on learning experiences, connection to their community and Country, and experiences working on community projects. As the community projects model developed and there were more revenue raising opportunities, the idea of a WISE was discussed with Kylie Flament (SECNA CEO) during a visit to the ShoreTrack shed.”
Through services including lawn maintenance, digital metal fabrication, fencing, firewood delivery, and agricultural work, STeps funds programs that help young people across the Nambucca Valley reach their full potential.
“From this came some community sponsorships for Trainees and eventually sufficient revenue to employ approximately 7 young people each year.”
What do you offer and how does it create real impact?
“The STeps WISE provides mowing, fencing, agricultural and metal fabrication services, and products such as firewood and metal fabricated items. All the profit from this work goes back into funding the employment of young people as trainees in the enterprise.”
“We currently employ 7 young people as Trainees in our social enterprise who are studying for their Certificate II in Agriculture, Hospitality or Workplace Skills. They receive decent award wages, and we provide supportive work conditions suited to their needs, goals, and strengths. Currently 88% of young people who have been through our Certificate II programs are still in work 24 months after completion.”
Was there a moment along the way that really brought it all home where you thought, ‘this is why we do what we do’?
“Our team regularly has those moments when a young person shows initiative, newly developed self-confidence, happiness, engagement with others, and enjoyment—especially in cases where they were previously disengaged, struggling with mental health, or experiencing social isolation.”
One story in particular stands out from our conversation with Jill. A young person referred to ShoreTrack while still at school—on a pathway that could have led to expulsion and potentially incarceration—began to turn things around through engagement with the program. By the end of the year, their attendance had reached 98%. They went on to join the Certificate II program, became a STeps trainee, and, due to their strong work ethic, was later offered a full-time youth mentor role.
Over the next few years, what are you building toward that feels most exciting?
“Having just completed our 10-year plan, I am incredibly excited to see what the future holds for ShoreTrack and STeps. I expect we will expand our Agricultural services and the types of traineeships we offer. We hope to work more closely with industry to support their supply chain manufacturing and from this partner with more industry to build a pipeline of work ready young people to ensure skills shortages are a thing of the past for our local industries.”
That vision is already taking shape. Earlier this year, Gumma Place was launched, giving young people in Years 9 and 10 the opportunity to reconnect with learning through hands-on, project-based trades education. As Australia’s first trades-based Special Assistance School, its curriculum aligns with NSW education requirements, enabling students to achieve their Year 10 qualification before transitioning into work, including through the STeps social enterprise.
How can readers go beyond financial support and actually become part of the change you’re creating?
Like any organisation trying to create change, ShoreTrack relies on more than just its founders. Jill explains what kind of support makes a difference today.
“Following ShoreTrack on Facebook and LinkedIn is a great start and of course liking, commenting and sharing content with others is a bonus.”
“Anyone reading this who has agricultural or metal fabrication contracts for small enterprises, it would be great to touch base and of course, if anyone would like to sponsor a young trainee in the STeps enterprise, it's quite reasonable and would be a life changing investment.”
Fast Facts
Location: Macksville - Mid North Coast of NSW
The Mission in 3 Words: Skills, Belonging, Jobs
The Impact to Date: 88% of young people still in employment after 24 months of leaving ShoreTrack
About this series
SECNA's Member Spotlight Series showcases some of the many organisations, like ShoreTrack, who are using business as a force for good. From circular economy initiatives to employment pathways and community-led solutions, these stories highlight the impact of social enterprises across Australia.
Looking for more purpose-led businesses?
Visit SECNA's Social Enterprise Directory today to discover and support more social enterprises creating impact in communities across Australia.
