Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Outback Instincts?
Outback Instincts Ltd is a registered Australian charity delivering youth development, wellbeing and early-intervention programs through land-based, animal-assisted and practical learning experiences.
We work with young people, families, schools and community organisations to provide programs that build confidence, capability, responsibility and connection through real work with animals, land and teams.
👶 What ages do you work with?
Outback Instincts supports young people aged 10–25, depending on the program.
🌾 What programs do you offer?
Outback Instincts delivers a range of practical, immersive programs, including:
🎯 What will the young person learn?
Outback Instincts programs are built on learning by doing. Young people develop skills through real responsibility, supported challenge and teamwork.
Across our programs, young people may learn:
For others, the learning is about discovering they are capable, reliable and part of a team.
🧠 Is this a therapy or counselling program?
No. Outback Instincts programs are experiential and developmental, not clinical therapy.
While many young people experience positive wellbeing outcomes, our programs are based on hands-on learning, responsibility, structure and support, rather than counselling or medical treatment.
🎗️ Do you provide wraparound or follow-up support?
Yes. Where appropriate, we work with families, schools and support services to provide wraparound support.
After some programs, we may:
♿ Can NDIS funding be used?
Some Outback Instincts programs may be suitable for young people with NDIS plans, depending on:
🛡️ How do you manage safety and supervision?
Safety is a priority across all programs.
We maintain:
🔍 How do you approach behaviour and discipline?
Our approach is based on responsibility, respect and growth, not punishment.
Young people are supported to:
🚫 Who are your programs not suitable for?
To ensure safety for all participants, some programs are not suitable for young people who:
📍 Where do programs run?
Programs are delivered on rural property in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.
As programs operate on private property, exact addresses are provided only once bookings are confirmed and participant details are received.
🧾 How are programs funded?
Outback Instincts operates a mix of grant-funded, subsidised and fee-for-service programs. We accept donations and sponsorships to keep our programs running and rely heavily on community support and our fundraisers.
Revenue generated through fee-for-service programs is reinvested to support Outback Instincts’ charitable purpose, enabling access for young people who may otherwise be unable to participate.
📞 How do we enquire or book?
Program information, bookings and enquiry forms are available via our website and event pages.
If you have questions about suitability, funding options or support needs, please contact us directly — we’re happy to talk it through. You can email us: [email protected]
Outback Instincts Ltd is a registered Australian charity delivering youth development, wellbeing and early-intervention programs through land-based, animal-assisted and practical learning experiences.
We work with young people, families, schools and community organisations to provide programs that build confidence, capability, responsibility and connection through real work with animals, land and teams.
👶 What ages do you work with?
Outback Instincts supports young people aged 10–25, depending on the program.
- Ages 10–13: early intervention, confidence building and hands-on learning
- Ages 12–17: rural immersion programs, school holiday programs and group intensives
- Ages 16–25: pathway, leadership and vocational-focused programs
🌾 What programs do you offer?
Outback Instincts delivers a range of practical, immersive programs, including:
- Youth in the Yards – cattle handling, stock work, showing, teamwork and responsibility
- Paws on the Ground – dog handling, training foundations and community connection, sheepdog herding and therapy dogs to aged care program
- The Paddock Project – hands-on land-based learning through real tasks and projects
- Paddocks to Purpose – confidence, routine and personal development through meaningful work where farm 'junk' is repurposed into useful items, projects and art
- Outback OnTrack – pathway-focused programs supporting future direction and employability
- Equine Elevate – horsemanship-based programs including horse handling, riding and carriage driving, supporting confidence, leadership, emotional regulation and connection through working with horses
🎯 What will the young person learn?
Outback Instincts programs are built on learning by doing. Young people develop skills through real responsibility, supported challenge and teamwork.
Across our programs, young people may learn:
- Responsibility and work ethic through caring for animals, maintaining land and completing real tasks
- Teamwork and communication by working alongside peers, facilitators and volunteers
- Emotional regulation and focus through animal handling, rural work and introductory archery
- Practical rural and animal skills, including cattle handling, horse care and riding, dog training foundations, fencing and farm maintenance
- Problem-solving and resilience through adapting to challenges and following routines
- Confidence and self-belief gained from contributing meaningfully and seeing tasks through
For others, the learning is about discovering they are capable, reliable and part of a team.
🧠 Is this a therapy or counselling program?
No. Outback Instincts programs are experiential and developmental, not clinical therapy.
While many young people experience positive wellbeing outcomes, our programs are based on hands-on learning, responsibility, structure and support, rather than counselling or medical treatment.
🎗️ Do you provide wraparound or follow-up support?
Yes. Where appropriate, we work with families, schools and support services to provide wraparound support.
After some programs, we may:
- check in with families
- discuss next steps or pathways
- recommend further programs or opportunities
- support transition into education, training or employment pathways
♿ Can NDIS funding be used?
Some Outback Instincts programs may be suitable for young people with NDIS plans, depending on:
- individual goals
- support needs
- staffing ratios
- program structure
🛡️ How do you manage safety and supervision?
Safety is a priority across all programs.
We maintain:
- small group sizes
- typical staff-to-participant ratios of 1:4 or 1:3 (or as specified per program)
- experienced facilitators and trained volunteers
- clear routines and expectations
- night supervision for overnight programs
- risk assessments for all activities
- strict animal handling and safety protocols
- all staff have up to date first-aid, working with children checks/blue cards and child safe training.
🔍 How do you approach behaviour and discipline?
Our approach is based on responsibility, respect and growth, not punishment.
Young people are supported to:
- understand expectations
- work safely and respectfully with animals and others
- take responsibility for their actions
- learn through real-world consequences in a supported environment
- learn accountability and self-awareness for patterns of behaviour
🚫 Who are your programs not suitable for?
To ensure safety for all participants, some programs are not suitable for young people who:
- require intensive 1:1 supervision
- present with behaviours that cannot be safely supported in a group setting
- are experiencing acute mental health crisis or active self-harm
📍 Where do programs run?
Programs are delivered on rural property in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.
As programs operate on private property, exact addresses are provided only once bookings are confirmed and participant details are received.
🧾 How are programs funded?
Outback Instincts operates a mix of grant-funded, subsidised and fee-for-service programs. We accept donations and sponsorships to keep our programs running and rely heavily on community support and our fundraisers.
Revenue generated through fee-for-service programs is reinvested to support Outback Instincts’ charitable purpose, enabling access for young people who may otherwise be unable to participate.
📞 How do we enquire or book?
Program information, bookings and enquiry forms are available via our website and event pages.
If you have questions about suitability, funding options or support needs, please contact us directly — we’re happy to talk it through. You can email us: [email protected]