But venture out and you’ll see young locals heading out early, boots on, tools packed, moving between islands to work on bushland, community gardens, and regeneration sites.
TK is there too, not as a teenager looking for something to do, but as someone who deliberately chose the same path.
“I wanted practical skills and work that actually contributes to the place I live,” she says.
After moving to Russell Island with her partner and building their home, TK enrolled full time in Running Wild’s conservation and ecosystem management program. The days are physical and varied - soil regeneration, planting, composting, woodwork, and safe use of tools.
“It’s hands on, it’s honest and you can see the impact of what you’re doing straight away,” said TK.
Running Wild works across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, providing accredited training while delivering on-the-ground environmental projects that benefit the local community. Participants work on bush regeneration, wildlife awareness, and land care, while gaining practical licences that support future employment pathways.
For TK, bush regeneration changed how she thinks about problem solving.
“You learn that helping something recover isn’t about forcing outcomes,” she says.
“It’s about understanding systems and knowing when to step back.”
The group travels by ferry to surrounding islands for community garden and conservation projects, while learning to identify invasive weeds and native plants. They also take part in wildlife and turtle rescue training, bird identification, kayaking, excursions, and more.
The program itself grew from community concern about disengaged youth. What’s developed is something more constructive; a space where young people are trusted with responsibility and supported to build real skills. “That trust matters and when people are given meaningful work, they rise to it.”
Before moving to the island, TK worked primarily online. She put that work on pause to focus on learning face-to-face and grounding herself in practical knowledge.
Looking ahead, TK wants to apply what she’s learning beyond the Bay Islands. She speaks plainly about her future goals; land care, soil health, agriculture, and eventually contributing to water access and environmental projects overseas, particularly in Africa.
For now, Running Wild has given her something solid; skills, structure, and experience that connect directly to the land.
“It’s been an incredible experience and it’s knowledge I know I’ll use,” she says.
“There are opportunities here; people just need to know they exist.”
For island families, young people, and anyone wondering what pathways are actually available, programs like Running Wild offer a different narrative. One built on contribution, responsibility, and connection to place.
For further information head to www.runningwild.org.au
