A group of ‘at risk’ Whyalla students have jumped at the chance to help out suffering kangaroos in a very special Backyard Blitz today (Tuesday, April 3).

Mary Nash has been caring for injured or orphaned kangaroos at her Whyalla Stuart home for the past 21 years, but her backyard shelter was wrecked during recent strong winds.

Local business Stratco has donated a new shed and the Salvation Army approached Mission Australia’s Future Unlimited student program to see if it could help with the installation.

“We were thrilled to be invited,” said Mission Australia’s Ryan Baker. “This is such good experience for our students to have, not only in picking up good practical skills but getting the chance to be part of a terrific community initiative.”

The four Year 9 and 10 boys are part of Mission Australia’s Future Unlimited program for young people who are at risk of dropping out of school at an early age.

Aiming to help them return to school or access other training options, the program works with school counselors and provides individualised support, group work, recreational activities, family mediation and advocacy to assist with school retention.

Media are invited to photograph/film/interview the boys as they help to erect the new shed between 11am -3pm TODAY.

Please contact Ryan Baker on 0427 601 749 or Deb Katsiavos on 0427 396 531 to ensure that timing is best for photos etc.