The Story Behind NextShip

Turning every parcel into a pathway.

Every business begins with a reason — a spark of purpose.

For us, that reason was simple: we saw too many young people in our region being overlooked.

In the Northern Rivers, there are young people everywhere who are capable, creative, and full of potential — but not always sure where they fit. Some leave school early because life takes an unexpected turn. Others finish school but struggle to take the next step into work or training. Too often, the path between potential and opportunity just doesn’t line up.

We wanted to change that.

“NextShip was built to be more than a warehouse — it’s a place where young people can gain skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose, while helping businesses grow.”

Melissa Hughes CEO Connect Northern Rivers.

When we first stepped into the empty space that would become the NextShip warehouse, it was literally a blank canvas. A chance to build something practical and purposeful — a business that supports local brands while creating real jobs for local youth.

NextShip delivers for businesses who value reliability, connection, and impact. Every order we send represents more than a product — it represents a young person learning new skills, earning an income, and finding direction.

Along the way, we’ve seen incredible growth. Not just in what we ship, but in the people who make it happen. Young team members stepping into leadership roles, learning logistics systems, mastering communication, and realising what they’re capable of.

That’s why we started NextShip. Because employment can be life-changing. A job offers more than income — it’s belonging, structure, and belief in yourself again.

Join the Movement

If you’re a business that believes in doing good while doing business, we’d love to partner with you.

Reach out to our friendly team today.