Allan knows value of a second chance
AFTER having his own struggles as a teenager, Allan Braden was more than happy to open up his station to indigenous elders wanting to help troubled youth.
Mr Braden has offered free use of his station, Braden Downs, to the Yinda program for the camp instilling culture and life skills in boys involved in the youth justice system.
The station owner, who grew up as an indigenous boy in Mount Isa, was on the wrong track as a teen before people showed an interest in helping him.
“I went through a lot of trouble as a young fella growing up, too, and I don’t mind helping young fellas out and seeing them get somewhere in life,” Mr Braden said.
He was a similar age to the boys camping on his property when he got on the straight and narrow.
He teaches the boys skills including fencing and working with cattle.
While some people could never dream about opening their land up to troubled youth, Mr Braden was happy to host camps once the first was completed.
“They are pretty good kids and if you treat them the right way they respect you,” he said.
“I have noticed a change between the first week and now into the second they are more settled and every afternoon say thank you … they are appreciative of what’s done for them.“
Braden Downs is in Woodstock, about 50km south of Townsville.