"Mad Mick from Moree" is on a new mission in Tamworth, helping people beat drug and alcohol addiction by using his lived experience, and a new found passion for study.
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Mick Fisher is the newest member of the St Vincent de Paul's Rosalie House, and their Catalyst program, aimed at breaking the cycle of drug use for local residents, and the mental health issues that accompany it.
"I drank, did drugs, and gambled as much as I possibly could for a long time - I hit rock bottom when I was 21, and then stayed there until I was 36, when I checked into rehab in 2008," he said.
"I have had a few relapses since, I know the pain of addiction, but it is always a work in progress, and that is what I tell people here.
"I tell them I can't do it for them, but I can help them to help themselves - they didn't get sick overnight, so they won't get well overnight."
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Four years ago Mr Fisher helped start an Alcoholics Anonymous group in a rehab centre in Moree, and through that initiative gained employment at the centre, which soon led to Mr Fisher taking on some study.
He now boasts a Certificate IV and a diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), and a Certificate IV in Community Services, as well as a diploma in Mental Health, and is currently taking on a Diploma of Counselling.
Those tertiary qualification where all attained through TAFE NSW, and fully subsidised by the NSW Rural Doctors Network.
Mr Fisher is also a qualified butcher - no mean feat for a person who completely skipped year seven and year ten at school.
"I never thought a job like this would be available to someone like me - I am only still around by the skin of my teeth," he said.
"I have a lot of empathy because of my lived experience, and I believe that when struggling people are able to improve their lives, this has a positive flow-on effect for their families, and the wider community.
"Everyone deserves happiness and a purpose in life - they don't all deserve a Ferrari and a mansion, but they do deserve the chance to be healthy and happy.
"That's what I hope to bring to Tamworth, and I really love Tamworth - it's great here."
Rosalie House team leader Jess Toole said Mr Fisher was the perfect fit for the service, and completes the team of caseworkers.
"Mick filled a gap we really needed filling because of how he relates to people," she said.
"His skill level and knowledge from his study is great - he already knew the background of the programs we are running here, and is really suited to the role."
Rosalie House accepts up to 15 locals at a time into a six week day program, including follow up one-on-one sessions and aftercare.
The service does accept self referrals.
