Tilbuster Station

A farm for child and youth development

Tilbuster Station was gifted to Pathfinders on the 26^th of September 2011 by Dr Marie Delaney. Her wish was that the property be used for child and youth development, and the support of families. The property is used as a venue to continue and expand upon the work that Pathfinders does with at risk youth and local families. Through this generosity, Pathfinders is working to turn this property into a multi-functional youth and family centre. With long and short-term plans for further renovations and construction, Pathfinders aims to develop this property to eventually become a regional centre for youth and family development.

Disadvantaged young people are participating in a range of agricultural, horticultural and trade skills programs such as crop and vegetable production, animal husbandry, beef cattle production, fencing, welding and building construction. Programs are designed to enhance self-esteem, skills and work readiness of young people and to instil the values of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.

Our Tilbuster Station program is possible due to wide public support, the partnerships Pathfinders has developed within the community and the generosity of individual farmers and tradespeople who have stepped forward to assist in this worthwhile endeavour.

Through our innovative partnerships, not only are we showing our young people how to work collaboratively and to give generously, but we are also fulfilling the wishes of our generous benefactor. These partnerships demonstrate the benefit of NGO’s working together, the vitality of the local NGO sector and the value young people have within the community.

While we are currently seeking additional funding to further develop Tilbuster Station, we can now begin to use the property to expand our current reach and offer new forms of support, education and development to our young people. These community partnerships are a big initial step in that direction.

Creating opportunities for young people to contribute to society through meaningful activities and employment is a core philosophy in our service delivery.

Cultural Camps

Pathfinders Cultural Camps provide an educational, spiritual and recreational experience that reconnects Aboriginal young people to country and culture.

Cultural Camps are an essential part of keeping children and young people who are living away from their families connected to their culture. Camps provide opportunities for participants to meet Aboriginal Elders and learn more about the culture and land they meet on.

During this workshop Aboriginal Elders, Pathfinders staff, and community members facilitate sharing of Aboriginal culture and knowledge between generations, aiding in improving the well-being and self-identity of our young people, through the use of Aboriginal culture and connection.

The Marie Delaney Training and Education Centre

Pathfinders is committed to providing training and education for children and young people and has constructed a training centre on the station in Dr Marie Delaney’s name. The centre was completed in 2018 thanks to a generous donation from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and many other community donations.

The centre provides an all-weather workshop and training facility that allows us to enhance and expand our vocational and rural skills programs. Pathfinders conduct multiple education, training and cultural programs for use by young people, their friends and family, and the community at the centre.