"LEARN from my mistakes".
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That's one of Jeff Amatto's main messages that he will be bringing to Leeton as he continues his work in educating and raising awareness about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, gambling and more.
Mr Amatto has had to learn from his own experiences, including jail time, in order to rehabilitate.
He hopes by sharing his story, he can save others from going through the same pain.
A proud Wiradjuri man, another of his messages is for there to be more cultural rehabilitation centres and less jails.
He believes dealing with problems and addictions head on through cultural rehabs, rather than spending time in jail is a more prudent approach.
"I have travelled 80,000 kilometres in Australia over the last two years to inspire kids and others in the struggle to say anyone can change with the help of services," Mr Amatto said.
"The reason I tell my story to schools, communities and organisations is to let them know I could not heal and move forward by myself.
"I had to use services for help. It's okay to ask for help. (I want to) let (people) know we can change if we are supported the right way.
"Until there are the right people in the right position it's hard to make change.
"For those Indigenous people attending ... I can only speak for myself. I needed culture back in my life to heal and it was a massive part of my healing process with other services also helping with my trauma.
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"For our other non-Indigenous brothers and sisters I needed to speak up and walk in the door to use the services in my community because they do work if you use them."
Mr Amatto said education at a young age was also key in helping prevent issues among young people relating to drugs and alcohol.
Mr Amatto will host a community barbecue at Gossamer Park on November 17 from 10.30am.
He will also present to students and support services at the Roxy Theatre on November 18 from 9.30am before a final session at the theatre on November 19 at 10.30am for all community members.
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