Matthew Douglas is a Youth Justice Support Worker. He sees many youths come through his work with a wide range of issues.
"Drugs, alcohol, violence, homelessness, family issues, changing family dynamics, travelling from interstate ..."
Arthur Ellis works alongside him.
He says there is another crucial issue facing the troubled teenagers.
"What I feel and see out there a lot is our kids with identity issues. It comes back to who they are and where they're from."
Matthew Douglas and Arthur Ellis call themselves the yin-and-yang team.
They could not be more different, one reserved and the other outspoken.
But both share a strong determination to make a difference in the young lives.
Mr Douglas says the tough work is all worthwhile.
"Seeing them make their choices and changing, seeing them starting to buy their own car, get their first job, things like that, it's almost like being a parent to them. They become your family. You're giving them life advice. It's pretty rewarding when you can help these young ones that people have given up on."
The pair work at the Bert Williams Aboriginal Youth Services Centre, part of the larger Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association.
Both have faced hardships of their own.
Matthew Douglas grew up in a broken family.
"My family sort of fell apart through some things they had no control over, and I hated the world and everyone in it."
Arthur Ellis has seen a lot in his 32 years.
He grew up in government housing flats in Collingwood, in Melbourne's north-east.
"Not a day goes past you'll see someone shooting up in the street. My father was a very strict man. He was an alcoholic, he was very violent, a lot of family violence at home."
Their own experiences have led them to become Koori Youth Justice Support Workers.
Mr Douglas says he is discovering more from the role than he ever imagined.
"I, myself, was a bit lost for a good while there, and, through this role, I've sort of been able to find myself and connect to my community and culture a bit better. Pretty much what we're doing for these young fellas, it's done for me, too."
The manager of the Bert Williams Aboriginal Youth Services Centre, Leigh (lee) Saunders, says the teenagers are inspired by the two mentors.
"I think, when young people see that and they hear those stories, it gives them a bit of inspiration to change, or it gives them a bit of a look at the world in a different lens, rather than looking at the world all the time in their own eyes and their own view."
The pair's tireless work is already changing things for the better for a 17-year-old youth named Steven.
He comes to the youth group every Friday.
"It's helped me with my individuality, building my self-esteem. The stuff they say, they really inspire me, such as where we come from, our backgrounds, how far we can get there. We need to make a difference for our family and, also, for others as well."
And for a 13-year-old named Claire, whose brother is in prison, the youth group is a safe haven.
"I just feel safe, loved. It's nice to have someone to have your back,* someone to be there."
Another 13-year-old named Jess says she, too, feels looked after at the youth group.
"They understand us, like understand me, and I know that I'm going to be safe with them."
Each week, the youths are treated to a new experience.
This time, it is fine dining at Fitzroy's Charcoal Lane.
A social-enterprise restaurant of Mission Australia, it provides mentoring to help vulnerable young people who need a fresh start in life, like Brittany Paxton.
The 18-year-old has overcome anxiety and bullying at school to participate in the program
"And I get to connect to culture, which is huge for me. Just being able to come here, be safe and get to learn about food that's been growing for over 60,000 years, like incredible, incredible work."
It is a program Matthew Douglas and Arthur Ellis encourage the teenagers to consider.
Jess, a Year 8 student, is now looking positively toward her future.
"Probably a cook, because I love cooking."
Mr Douglas says there is no limit for them.
"With the right support, they could end up anywhere, so ... could be my boss."
