News

Social Impact Investment: Warrah

In 2016 VFFF purchased Warrah, a residential property in Armidale used by BackTrack Youth Works to provide a roof over young people’s heads for either long-term or emergency accommodation.

Warrah offers its residents a safe environment where they can relax, learn general life skills such as cooking, cleaning and interacting as a family. Warrah residents are supported by experienced youth workers and ‘house parents’ who ensure routine, stability and the feeling of a home.

After purchasing the property VFFF leased Warrah to BackTrack to operate from, and after a five to eight-year period, BackTrack could acquire the property from VFFF at the original purchase price if capital became available. In just three and a half years, BackTrack advised that they were able to buy the property and the sale settled on 1 September 2020.

Over this time, there have been developments at Warrah including the addition of a large shed with storage, a recreational room with a pool table, lounge area and gym equipment, as well as new flooring throughout the residence. We are delighted to see BackTrack grow in capacity to better support their young people.

Bernie Shakeshaft (BackTrack CEO) reflected in July that the importance of a safe place to stay for the kids BackTrack keeps alive and out of jail is foundational. “VFFF’s funding and support has been a game changer in BackTrack’s capacity to impact the lives of young people doing it tough.”

VFFF considers this a successful impact investment in partnership with an organisation we believe in.