A grassroots program helping young people build practical skills and confidence is gaining strong momentum across the Hawkesbury, with participants rolling up their sleeves and making a visible difference in the community.
The Lawn Lads and Lasses initiative, run by RuffTRACK Londonderry, is quickly becoming a standout example of how hands-on training can change lives.
Each week, participants head out into the community as part of an ongoing partnership with Greyhounds As Pets, taking on garden and lawn maintenance work while learning valuable, real-world skills.
But this is about more than mowing lawns.
It’s about consistency, teamwork and building pride.
Program leaders say the transformation in participants has been clear, with young people showing growing confidence and a strong sense of responsibility as they contribute to something tangible.
“It’s been fantastic to see the consistency and teamwork,” one mentor shared. “They’re really stepping up.”
This term has also seen the arrival of a new team member making an immediate impact.
Mikey, joining experienced participants Uncle Sam and Byron, has hit the ground running bringing energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in from day one.
His attitude reflects the broader spirit of the program: show up, work hard, and take pride in the result.
And the good news doesn’t stop there.
Due to its success, the program has expanded, adding an additional day running fortnightly on Wednesdays. The expansion means more opportunities for young people to get involved, develop practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward employment.
In a region where pathways to training and jobs can sometimes be limited, initiatives like Lawn Lads and Lasses are filling an important gap, connecting young people with hands-on experience and a sense of purpose.
It’s a simple formula, but a powerful one: give young people the tools, the opportunity, and the support and they’ll rise to the challenge.
And across the Hawkesbury, that’s exactly what’s happening.
Information for this story appeared in RuffTRACK newsletter.
For further information visit https://www.rufftrack.com/
