A community-based program called Ruff Track is changing the lives of vulnerable young people in the Hawkesbury area by teaching them essential life and work skills.

Co-founded by David Graham, the program pairs participants with a dog, usually a kelpie and aims to reduce crime rates and drug addiction while building responsibility and trust.

The program has already had a big impact with crime in the area dropping by 32% in the first year of operation.

However, despite its successes, Ruff Track is in need of ongoing funding to continue making an impact.

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Photo: Canva