Indigenous youth learn life and work skills through Beyond Billabong program

Troubled and disadvantaged Aboriginal youths and young men learn life and work skills which will hopefully secure them a job.

As part of the four-week program they learn horsemanship and livestock handling, computing, four-wheel-drive skills, leatherwork and indigenous art at Longreach.

The program, started two years ago by North Queensland cattleman Boyd Curran, also includes a week on the Gold Coast where participants are taught skills including team-building, cooking and health and nutrition.

There's even a "city orienteering'' element where the teens have to find their own way back to their Tallebudgera Recreation Camp base from various parts of the glitter strip.