Lawn Hill and Riversleigh: An Inspiring Youth Mentor Program Changing Lives in the Outback

Meet the Unique Cattleman Behind an Extraordinary Youth Program

Out in the Gulf of Queensland, where the land stretches to the horizon and the cattle count matches the stars, something remarkable has been happening for the past decade. Hats off, we say from Koala Audiobooks, to the visionary stockman who put his heart into developing the Lawn Hill and Riversleigh Youth Mentor Program—an initiative making profound changes in the lives of disadvantaged youth across remote Australia.

The program began as a collaboration with the Lawnill and Riverslee partial holding company, 51% owned by the traditional landowners, the Waanyi people. But what began as a practical response to staffing cattle operations quickly transformed into something much more meaningful.

Youth at the Heart: The Birth and Evolution of the Mentor Program

It all started when the need arose not just for hands to help on the land, but for opportunities to uplift young Indigenous Australians. Initial steps focused on training Indigenous youth in cattle station skills; yet, it became clear that these young people needed not just vocational training but critical life skills. The true mission emerged: building confidence, resilience, and purpose in youth facing some of the greatest disadvantages in the country.

What set this program apart? The focus turned as much to mentoring and personal growth as it did to cattle work. Over a decade, structured programs like Serp and Turf and full-time residential courses created a supportive environment where young people could learn, heal, and grow beyond their circumstances.

Expanding Horizons: Going Beyond Bibong

From Local Roots to Statewide Impact

A watershed moment came in 2008. The federal government—specifically the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations—recognized the achievements unfolding on Lawn Hill and Riversleigh. Encouraged by officials, the team designed a longer-term development program, spreading their evolved approach far beyond the Gulf into communities across Queensland.

This new initiative, “Beyond Bibong,” found its hub at Longreach Pastoral College. With access to top-notch facilities and a 90% Indigenous instructor base, the program cultivated a culturally rich, supportive learning environment uniquely tailored for remote youth.

How the Youth Mentor Program Works

Finding and Supporting the Next Generation

One of the standout features of the Youth Mentor Program is its open-door approach. There’s no strict selection process—just a sincere desire to give the most marginalized youth a chance to reset their course. Participants are often referred in several ways:

• Community word-of-mouth
• Job network referrals
• Youth justice groups
• Arrangements with youth detention centers, like the Cleveland Youth Detention Center

The inclusive philosophy means every young person, including those recently released from detention and struggling to find positive paths, is welcomed. For many, this program is the only real shot at turning things around.

The Core Offerings: More Than Just Cattle Skills

While cattle work and practical bush skills are essential, the real essence of the program is personal development. Here are some of the focus areas:

• Building life and employability skills
• Fostering self-esteem and resilience
• Connecting with cultural roots through working side-by-side with Indigenous instructors
• Learning responsibility and teamwork in a natural, challenging environment

Youth who go through Lawn Hill and Riversleigh’s mentoring don’t just pick up a trade—they gain the mindset to tackle life’s hurdles head-on.

Lessons Learned: Real Advice for Youth Mentors Everywhere

The journey at Lawn Hill and Riversleigh offers a blueprint for effective youth mentoring programs, especially in remote or disadvantaged contexts. Here’s what stands out for anyone wanting to make a difference:

1. Put Youth First: Design programs around the personal growth and needs of participants, not just vocational outcomes.
2. Make Inclusion a Priority: Accept the toughest cases—let youth from any background have a chance to transform.
3. Involve Community and Culture: Use mentors and trainers who reflect the background of participants. This connection deepens engagement and builds trust.
4. Partner Widely: Link with employment networks, justice groups, and local government. Broaden your impact through collaboration.
5. Offer Actionable, Real-World Skills: Mix practical training (like cattle work) with sessions building life readiness and confidence.

The Lasting Impact: Stories of Change

Many young people leave the Lawn Hill and Riversleigh Youth Mentor Program with a sense of achievement and a newfound direction. Whether they stay in agriculture, return to school, or become community role models, the lasting change ripples outward—to families, communities, and the nation at large.

Success stories include youth from far-flung communities, from Caramela to St George, Hope Vale, and even as remote as Mornington Island, who have found work, reconnected with their culture, or become mentors themselves. It’s proof that when you invest in young people—and believe in second chances—the entire country benefits.

Conclusion: Why Every Youth Deserves This Chance

Australia’s future depends on its youth, especially those in our most remote and marginalized communities. Programs like Lawn Hill and Riversleigh’s youth mentoring offer a beacon of hope, showing that investment, compassion, and cultural understanding can unlock incredible potential.

If you work with youth, support Indigenous empowerment, or simply believe in the power of second chances, spread the word and support these programs where you can. Hats off to the trailblazing cattleman and all those following his lead—the youth of Australia are riding taller in their boots because of you.

Want to learn more or get involved? Reach out to local Indigenous organizations or mentoring programs near you. Share this story, volunteer your time, or simply keep encouraging Australia’s young people—one step at a time.