Northern Territory social worker Will MacGregor often tells young people seeking help for addiction: "I know exactly how you're feeling, young man or young woman, because I've been there."
Mr MacGregor runs Alice Springs drug and alcohol treatment service BushMob, overcoming his own substance abuse problems in his youth before turning to a life of helping others.
He is the NT's Australian of the Year nominee - an honour he says came as a shock.
"My own use went nearly to the bitter end," Mr MacGregor told AAP.
"What it brings to this work is a complete understanding of what these young people are going through."
BushMob provides 20 beds for youths seeking help for addiction, as well as offering bush adventure therapy, and training in media and stockmanship.
Mr MacGregor says 95 per cent of their clients are indigenous.
"We're growing some of these kids up," he said.
"They come in at 12, 13, 14. They may have never been around responsible adults their entire life.
"We're just providing a safe, supportive space for them to come some sort of place in their life."
Despite the challenges the organisation faces in gaining long-term funding, there have been success stories.
Program participants have gone on to become chefs, train drivers and farmers, Mr MacGregor says.
A young indigenous woman was working in a women's shelter in Katherine, he said.
"We've had another young indigenous woman who did our books for a year then moved on to a better job."
NT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Will MacGregor. Youth worker who runs a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Alice Springs.
SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR Bob Shewring. Campaigner for the repatriation of the remains of Australian soldiers killed in the Vietnam War.
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR Benjamin Masters. Musician who supports Darwin's local music scene by setting up all-ages, drug and alcohol-free gigs.
AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HEROES David Taylor. Provides meals for Darwin's homeless and mentoring for at-risk people.
