JEFF Amatto is a self proclaimed straight shooter who tells it like it is and it is an attitude that had Leeton residents flocking to hear what he had to say this week.
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Mr Amatto's visit was arranged by the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council with the help of Leeton Shire Council with the idea of promoting his thoughts on why cohesion is needed when it comes to tackling the drugs and alcohol crisis facing communities across the country.
Having spent time in jail himself, Mr Amatto is now 10 years sober and using his experiences to show what he thinks needs to change and why.
He would like to see the construction and implementation of cultural rehabilitation centes and less jails.
Mr Amatto's visit was tailored to reach as many different sectors of the community.
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"The last couple of days has been overwhelming ... just the welcome I received from everyone," he said.
"I've been blown away by it. There's a couple of things I always want to get out of doing events like this. The idea of more cultural rehabs and less jails is the big one.
"The other one is that I want people to know it's okay to speak up and seek help. I want people to learn from my mistakes and know that you can turn your life around."
Mr Amatto's visit consisted of a family fun day at Gossamer Park in Wattle Hill, followed by a presentation before hundreds of school students, before a final session with community members, parents, services and stakeholders.
He said those services needed to all be on the same page when it came to helping people and dealing with the issues association with drugs and alcohol.
While speaking to such a broad range of residents, Mr Amatto said he had to tailor his story to suit different age groups, but he had no hesitation is telling a few hard truths to high school students.
"That's the age where they need to be shocked ... we can't back away from what is happening," Mr Amatto said.
"Kids are experimenting and that's what can lead to trouble.
"It's not just in Leeton, it's everywhere. It's people of all backgrounds."
After each session, Mr Amatto was "swarmed" with students, service providers and community members wanting to know more and congratulate him on the message he is putting out there.
He said he will continue to travel around the country spreading the word in the hopes it helps make a difference.
"I also want to give a special mention to your mayor Paul Maytom and Karen (Davy) from the Aboriginal Land Council ... the hard work they are doing on this issue is just amazing," Mr Amatto said.
"You don't see that everywhere, so it's very heartening."
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