Community & Business
27 July, 2026
Mine backs Outback Instincts
The Goombungee-based outdoor educational program Outback Instincts has received a boost with a $300,000 investment from New Acland Coal.
The funding, split over two years, will allow Outback Instincts to support an additional 50 young people, so they can rediscover stability, confidence, and hope for a positive future.
Outback Instincts Founder, and Chairperson, Hayley Chambers said New Acland Coal’s support will save and transform young lives.
“The funding is life changing,” Ms Chambers said.
“It will change the participants lives, their family’s lives, and the lives of everyone around them.
“Outback Instincts is a youth charity that uses animal assisted programs, trades, and rural farm life to help young people who are disengaged, at risk, or vulnerable.
“I regularly see young people going from completely disengaged and having no hope for their future, to realising there are pathways for them back into education, friendships, family, and community.”
Fourteen-years-old Izzy Randall was expelled from four schools before discovering purpose, and joy at Outback Instincts.
“Ever since I started coming to Outback Instincts, my whole life has turned around,” Izzy said.
“I was going down the wrong path, hanging out with the wrong people.
“Hayley and Outback Instincts have reminded me that I can succeed, and that I do belong.
“I love horses and one day want to work in agriculture or on a cattle station.”
Hunter Lindley was referred to Outback Instincts by local police and his school.
“It’s helped me with my anger,” Hunter said.
“It’s easier because with animals you’ve got to take it a bit slower than with people so it teaches you patience and it’s easier to learn.”
Hunter’s grandmother Amy Zenke said the program has changed his life.
“He loves it out here,” Amy said.
“He’s now wanting (to take up) a trade, he wants to come out here (and) help kids in the same position as he is.
“He’s talking about the future and what he wants to do.
“He likes to be active (but) he knows that he’s still got to do the education side of things.
“We do online education with Charleville School of Distance Education two days a week there, and he wants to be out here three days.
“We don’t have funding (for Hunter’s) ADHD, (he) doesn’t get NDIS or anything so to know Hayley is able to support us with the funding... it’s just a godsend or else we wouldn’t be here, where would we go? I don’t want to think about it.”
New Acland Coal General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the $300,000 contribution is courtesy of the New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund, which supports the long-term wellbeing, economic development, and social cohesion of the region.
“Youth and community engagement is one of the key pillars of the New Acland Coal Community Investment Fund,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“This investment in Outback Instincts will be life changing for the program’s young people.
“I think this is (a program) we’ll be proud of for a long, long time.”
