Australian of the Year

Jill Ashley and Paul (Fatty) Ireland founded ShoreTrack in 2020 to support disengaged young people in the Nambucca Valley through hands‑on learning, mentoring and trade‑based training.  

In just five years, ShoreTrack has assisted more than 750 young people and helped shift community perceptions – showing that disengaged youth are full of potential. So far, 86% of those who completed a Certificate II pathway through ShoreTrack remain employed.  

Jill and Fatty volunteer their time and resources to provide mentoring, meals, transport, trade‑based training and employment pathways. Working with businesses, community, and government agencies, they have built support networks to help marginalised young people attain independence.  

They've marked a significant achievement in a regional community where barriers – such as lack of transport and low expectations – can impede opportunity.