Based at Lake Cargelligo, local youth group, Down The Track Youth Enterprises runs an innovative program for young people who are aged between 10 and 20 and live in the communities of Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge.

The youth group focusses on early intervention for at risk young people and inclusive environmental and cultural camps are a big part of what they do.

Larn Masterson is founder of Down The Track.

"We started back in 2016," she said. "After moving here in 2015 I couldn’t wrap my head around why our youth crime and incarceration rates were so high.

"There comes a time when we need to stop talking about how bad an issue is and what should be done by others to fix it. There comes a time when we need to roll up our sleeves and have a crack ourselves. And that’s exactly what I did."

Down the Track currently have seven staff and are open to all youth aged 10-20. Ms Masterson says Down The Track has gone from strength to strength since its inception.

"We have won some awards for youth service of the years and also regional youth service of the year," she said.

The youth camp program is a highlight for young participants and takes place on a small island in Lake Cargelligo.

Campers have the opportunity to learn about the environment and cultural significance of the lake, as well as participate in monitoring and reporting activities led by scientific experts.

Ms Masterson said receiving recent government funding of $152,900 had been a hugely appreciated boost for the group.

"The funding is amazing for Down The Track," she said. "It will be used to take our environmental program which we have named Track Zero to the next level."

One of the latest camps at Lake Cargelligo. IMAGE: facebook

The most recent camping trip helped with ecological monitoring of the big lake and the islands. Similar trips are held four times a year.

"It will give our young people the opportunity to experience potential career paths in environmental science and will also allow our kids to learn about and care for the environment while providing a cultural connection to country," Ms Masterson said.

"It’s learning delivered differently with the aim of every camp for our young people to reach their greatest potential."

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc also received funding of $287,863. As part of this, they will work with the Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo High Schools to keep disengaged young people in school. The program has been successful in the past, breaking down barriers such as lack of uniforms and poor school experiences for parents.

“These projects go a long way in helping to break down the barriers that prevent young rural and remote people from completing their education,” Treasurer of the Lachlan and Western Regional Services Anne Coffey said.

“We are proud to be a part of this initiative and are confident that it will make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the Lachlan Shire."