Mt Theo-Yuendumu Substance Misuse Aboriginal Corporation, NT

In the early 1990's Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal township on the edge of the Tanami Desert, was gripped by an epidemic of petrol sniffing among young people.

By 1993 there were more than 70 regular 'sniffers' in Yuendumu (pop. 800-1,000) and the community was suffering the fallout, including violence and property damage.

But in 1994, local Warlpiri Elders decided on a 'zero tolerance' approach to the problem. With the support of traditional owners, the local school, the Tanami Network and the local Community Government Council, young petrol sniffers were sent to Purtulu, Mt Theo Outstation – 160kms from Yuendumu and 50kms from the nearest main road – to recover, learn traditional culture and break their addiction.

At the same time, a comprehensive youth program was started in Yuendumu to offer young people active and healthy alternatives to petrol sniffing, and to support young 'graduates' returning from Mt Theo.

Within a decade, the program had reduced the number of petrol sniffers in Yuendumu to zero.

Extending on this prevention work, the Jaru Pirrjirdi program – which means 'strong voices' – is now working with young adults in the community to address the underlying causes of petrol sniffing and help develop a strong, skilled and dedicated group of young leaders for Yuendumu.

To date, the community-driven initiative has transformed the lives of more than 400 young Aboriginal people from communities in the region, and is regarded in Australia and overseas as a leader in petrol sniffing prevention.

The success of the Mt Theo Program comes from local Aboriginal people taking control and supporting one another, says Mt Theo Manager Susie Low.

"From the beginning, the community has upheld Warlpiri values and used culturally appropriate ways of doing the work. The program received no outside funding until 1997; and all the early work was done on a volunteer basis. It is the families' combined strength and determination that has allowed this program to prosper.

"The zero tolerance approach and a solid model of early intervention means there is an immediate response for any young person engaging in petrol sniffing," said Ms Low.

The program is now used as a model for other remote communities in the Northern Territory, where there is an estimated 600 addicted petrol sniffers and 120 people left brain damaged from the practice.

The 2006 Commonwealth Senate report into petrol sniffing highlighted the success of the Mt Theo Program and recommended that funding be made available to interested communities to develop programs based on the same principles of intervention and support.

Mt Theo Outstation Program: Treatment & Diversion

By community consent, young sniffers are sent to Mt Theo for at least one month. Elders provide cultural healing and coordinate outdoor activities such as gardening and traditional hunting.

Non-Aboriginal youth workers visit the outstation approximately twice a week to deliver food and provide additional support. This has created an effective partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, with both groups sharing ideas and learning from one another.

After their time at the outstation the young people return to the Youth Program (for up to 17 year-olds) or the older ones are encouraged to join the Jaru Pirrjirdi project.

Effective partnerships with law enforcement agencies, including the Yuendumu Police, have been established. Over the last few years, several young offenders who have been bonded by the courts have also been sent to Mt Theo Outstation.

Youth Program: Prevention

Each day of the week, Indigenous youth workers run an activities program for the young people of Yuendumu and Willowra (aged 4-17 years), including swimming, Auskick, singing and dancing. The goal is to engage young people in fun and healthy activities, reduce boredom and provide positive alternatives to petrol sniffing.

Jaru Pirrjirdi 'Strong Voices' : Youth Development Project

Extending on the prevention and treatment programs, Jaru Pirrjirdi works with young adults (aged 17-30 years) to address the underlying issues of substance abuse. This community leadership program aims to empower the young people to develop the necessary skills and capacity to be active leaders in their own communities.

Find out more

Mt Theo-Yuendumu Substance Misuse Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 8956 4188
Website: www.mttheo.org

Literature about the Mt Theo program and other strategies to address petrol sniffing can be found at www.mttheo.org/media.htm.