Around 30 years ago Will MacGregor had three choices: death, prison or a mental institution.
Years of drug and alcohol abuse had left him in a constant state of anxiety and insecurity. Today, the youth worker and Northern Territory Australian of the Year nominee runs a 20-bed facility supporting young people battling the same struggles he did. 
It was after tackling his addictions that MacGregor (pictured) began a dialogue with Aboriginal elders and community leaders from across the Territory.
His idea? To take young people into the bush for days at a time, help them dry out, detox and rebuild their lives. And so Bush Mob was created. With the option to remain in the program for up to two months, young people head 'out bush' in central Australia, participating in horse riding, swimming and counselling, while tackling addiction, violence and suicide.
"Here, kids are surrounded by strong people, responsible adults, who may be the first they have ever met," MacGregor said.
"We're creating the space for them to think about what their choices are."
If given the chance to serve as Australian of the Year MacGregor would be advocating for a national look at youth drug and alcohol issues.