{"title":"Bernie Shakeshaft","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the inspiring works of Bernie Shakeshaft, a renowned author and social worker whose remarkable journey is captured vividly in his writing. Known for his deep commitment to youth empowerment, Bernie has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young adults in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his collection, particularly highlighted by the captivating memoir \u003cem\u003eBack on Track\u003c\/em\u003e, Bernie Shakeshaft shares heartfelt stories from his experiences in establishing the BackTrack Youth Works programme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to help troubled youth find a sense of purpose and community through innovative and supportive practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBernie's books are not just memoirs; they are powerful narratives that explore the challenges and triumphs of guiding young lives towards a brighter future. His storytelling offers readers unique insights into the transformative power of determination, compassion, and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDive into Bernie Shakeshaft's collections to be uplifted and informed by the true impact of social work and personal resilience. Perfect for readers interested in Biography \u0026amp; Memoir, Bernie's works promise a journey of hope and inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"back-on-track-by-bernie-shakeshaft-9780733642128","title":"Back on Track","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a kid, Bernie Shakeshaft's mischievous and reckless behaviour led him to become known as the wild one of his devout Catholic family. It isn't surprising that his path led him to the Northern Territory, a place where people often go to either lose themselves or find themselves. Bernie, a searcher for his purpose in life, \u003ci\u003efound\u003c\/i\u003e himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe had many jobs, firstly as a ringer on a cattle station owned by the Packer family, and later as a dingo trapper for the Parks and Wildlife Service. Throughout it all, he drank, he swore, he fought, and took chances with his own well-being. But, crucially, he also developed deep connections with the Indigenous people, and it was these connections that helped lay the foundations for what was to come. He worked for youth welfare organisations, and all the while he built up his knowledge about helping wayward youths, particularly those from Indigenous communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYears later, Bernie was living in Armidale. He'd been visiting too many kids in prison and going to too many funerals. The usual methods weren't working, so that reckless, mischievous kid inside him decided he could do better. He started a youth program called BackTrack, with three aims: To keep them alive, out of jail, and chasing their hopes and dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor most, this was their last chance. Combining life skills, education, job preparedness with rural work, Bernie threw in one other factor: dogs! And it works. With the help of these working dogs, the lost boys (and girls) find their way back on track. These days, Backtrack youth tour the country competing in dog-jumping trials. Bernie and the BackTrack team are now supporting other communities in Lake Cargelligo, Broken Hill, Dubbo, and Grafton, and have forged a new beginning for over 1000 young people. This one man is making a huge difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eBack on Track\u003c\/i\u003e, bestselling author James Knight tells Bernie's story and the stories of those whose lives he has saved. It is a powerful reminder that we should never give up on our kids.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'This fella Bernie, he's a good fella, a bit of a genius really. What a great story.' - Russell Crowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46798588313836,"sku":"9780733642128","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/5121573482449.jpg?v=1757209110"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/bernie-shakeshaft.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}