Hermannsburg/Ntaria traditional owner Tim Tjupurrula McNamara describes himself as "a leader, a cultural man and storyteller".

The proud Western Arrernte man is a mentor to boys and men in his community.

He passes on traditional knowledge and builds relationships through activities such as making spears and boomerangs, working with the Hidden Valley Camp Community Centre, the Tangentyere Men's Behaviour Change Program and other groups.

"I am the good leader of the community, good leader of my families," he said.

But Mr McNamara says he has been on a journey to become the man he is.

"Before, I was just nothing. I was just nobody," he said.

Taking ownership

About 10 years ago, Mr McNamara was ordered by a court to attend the Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit (CAAAPU), a drug and alcohol support service in Alice Springs.

"I was really struggling with my life," he said.

"I got into trouble so many times, drink and drive, domestic violence, and all sorts of things that were related to alcohol."

Mr McNamara completed his mandated program and returned to his community, but says friends and family again tempted him back down the "wrong roads", so he decided to return to the rehabilitation program, this time of his own volition.

"It was my choice to change," he said.

"CAAAPU was the place we was healed from the things that we do … I learned more about what I need in my life."

Sharing the message

Since then, Mr McNamara said he had been on a journey towards accountability and ownership of his own life, describing it as "freedom".

"Freedom means that you are men in charge for everything that you needed not to take the wrong choice," he said.

"I have more freedom and more space and more sharing, stories, connection about countries, the knowledge that you use and pass it on to others, especially the little people, for my grandchildren.

"We need to continue to do these things, as a man, as an Aboriginal man."

Mr McNamara returned to CAAAPU to share his story with other men and show them change is possible.

"My journey takes me quite a while, but it's more to learn and more to teach others to be men, to understand each other, what is our responsibility," he said.

Positive examples 'a catalyst for change'

CAAAPU chief executive Demian Coates said it was "wonderful" to see Mr McNamara sharing his story.

He said while there was a lot of focus on issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, crime and health gaps in Indigenous communities, there were "literally thousands" of examples of people overcoming and tackling these challenges.

"It's good to hear the other side, where people have been at rock bottom, and they've changed their whole life," he said.

"It's an inspiration. It's a catalyst for change."