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It’s been five years since the pandemic turned our worlds upside down, and its impact is still being felt especially for our children, with youth disengagement, behavioural and emotional challenges at sky high levels. 

That’s why we are excited to announce that the Agnico Eagle Australia Community Partnerships Program is supporting the Boys to the Bush (BttB) Program to enable 100 of Bendigo’s most vulnerable 10-15 year-old boys, from 10 primary schools in our region, to attend a five week course that has already changed thousands of lives for the better.

‘It’s easier to build a strong boy than repair a broken man’ is the simple and powerful motto of Boys to the Bush, which is on a mission to help young boys engage with their school and community, build confidence, improve communication, and develop respect to assist them now and into the future.

During the program, boys visit local farms, businesses, industry, and community groups along with hands-on activities, getting them involved in projects to show the value of contribution and giving back. 

“Boys to the Bush is excited to announce the launch of its school program in Bendigo, made possible by the generous support of Agnico Eagle. Through this invaluable partnership, our goa is to empower 100 boys by fostering strong community ties. Our program takes learning beyond the classroom, connecting participants with supportive local businesses, farms and industries committed to having a positive impact,” said Dan O’Bree, Location Manager of Boys to the Bush Bendigo.

By providing them with valuable skills, experiences, and opportunities that galvanise community participation, BttB supports the boys to become independent adults, with a positive sense of self and desire to be active contributors to their community.

The results of the program to date have been endorsed by many school principals, reporting that BttB has given the boys the maturity and confidence they need to navigate and improve their supportive connections and re-engage with school activities.

“While we recognise, and commend the work that multiple levels of governments are already doing to address youth disengagement, we also recognise the responsibility of the wider community to get as many children as possible back to school, feeling well and hopeful about their future,” said Felicia Binks, Director Environment and Government Relations, Agnico Eagle Australia.

“At Agnico Eagle, we believe in being a responsible and accountable business that contributes to stronger, happier communities. Our partnership with BttB will reinforce this commitment by supporting a program that has a profound impact on the lives of young boys,” Felicia concluded.

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Boys to the Bush groups tour Fosterville Gold Mine

During the week of 13-17 May 2024, Fosterville Gold Mine hosted two tour groups from the new Bendigo Boys to the Bush Program to learn all about career opportunities in the mining field.

Our team had a great time with the boys who were very curious and asked A LOT of questions, particularly on their visit to the vehicle maintenance workshops.

During their visit to the Ellesmere portal the boys got a real kick out of getting a few of the truck operators to honk their horns on their way past!