MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed further funding to extend the operation of BackTrack’s successful Night Crew program in Armidale.

The Night Crew program sees youth workers active on Armidale streets between 8pm and 7am three nights per week to engage young people at risk.

It was initially trialled in early 2025 after BackTrack and Armidale Regional Council approached Mr Moylan to secure funding for a 12-week trial.

Mr Moylan has pushed for more funding to keep the program going.

That was delivered earlier this week with the NSW Government announcing $298,600 in funding which will see the program continue for two more years.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan, BackTrack chief executive officer Marcus Watson, and BackTrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft.

“BackTrack has a well-established history of helping young people get their lives back on track,” Mr Moylan said.

“The BackTrack Night Crew program was an immediate success when implemented last year with a 75 per cent reduction in break-ins and vehicle thefts during the first eight weeks.

“It was a no-brainer to push the government for more funding to continue this community-led program.

“It is a great result for Armidale and well done to council for their dedication into ensuring the program continues.”

Armidale Regional Council mayor Sam Coupland said the feedback from residents regarding the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Council has seen firsthand the impact BackTrack’s Night Crew has had on the Armidale community,” Cr Coupland said.

“When our community tells us something is working, council has a responsibility to ensure it keeps going.”

Armidale Regional Council deputy mayor Todd Redwood said the program has worked and it makes complete sense to advocate for it to carry on.

“Members of the community have told council the BackTrack Night Crew program has made them feel safer and that’s why we have pushed so hard to see it continue,” Cr Redwood said.