Through the support of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS), emerging First Nations artist Travis Hogan has reconnected with culture and found a sense of purpose and belonging.

Mr Hogan, who is a descendant of the Arrernte and Warramungu Nations, grew up in Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, before moving to Adelaide, South Australia.

After many years of feeling lost and suffering from the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, he has now grown in confidence and discovered a new passion for art.

"I feel happy, and proud, I like painting, sharing my stories and making my own money," Mr Hogan said in reflecting on his life.

Mr Hogan, who is in his thirties only began painting four years ago, and has already acquired a string of successes to his name, some of which include being an Artist in Residence at the Adelaide International Airport.

With a vision to expand his business further, Mr Hogan's artwork can be found in the retail stores of popular tourist destinations such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Botanic Gardens Shop and the Southern Providore at the Adelaide International Airport.

Life was not always looking so promising for Mr Hogan, who at one point was travelling down a highly destructive path.

"I was getting myself into mischief, running off in the middle of the night," Mr Hogan said.

In his early twenties, Mr Hogan experienced high levels of anxiety.

"I felt trapped, I was angry and I couldn't focus. I was going down the wrong path, getting into trouble and spiralling out of control," he said.

Having been born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) and an accompanying intellectual disability, Mr Hogan experienced many challenges growing up, some of which included; poor concentration, concerns with emotional regulation and poor memory which effected his life significantly.

Knowledge of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder is slowly growing in Australia. It has been estimated that more than 2% of babies are born affected by the condition. In response, the Department of Health and Aged Care allocated $37.2 million to raise awareness of the disorder in 2021.

The prevalence of FASD is higher in vulnerable populations. A recent study at one point found that 36% of children aged 10-18 years detained within Western Australia's Banksia Hill Detention Centre were diagnosed with FASD.

Similar to challenges faced by those experiencing neurodiversity and a number of other conditions, FASD is often not picked up until a child reaches school age when learning gaps and social behaviours start to become evident.

Now a thriving artist, Mr Hogan proudly puts his earnings toward art supplies and gifts for family members and dreams of travelling back to his community, where he hopes to share his journey with other disadvantaged youth or people with disabilities and encourage them to take up art and "walk a good journey".

Highlighting the need for culturally informed support workers, this positive outcome may not have happened if it weren't for an in-tune NDIS support worker like Andrea Shevlin, who was able to identify the need for Mr Hogan to reconnect with his culture.

Her action demonstrating that support can help someone turn their life around.

"I could see a void in his life and was really worried about his mental health and wellbeing," Ms Shevlin said.

"I could see Travis had lots of potential so I organised some art lessons."

Ms Shevlin initiated contact with Red Centre Enterprises, an Aboriginal owned organisation which provides a range of community centred services including running a bird sanctuary, a horticulture, catering and cultural workshops.

Through this connection, Mr Hogan was taken under the wing of the Founder and Elder of Red Centre Enterprises Yuandamarra (Paul) Kiely, a Jiman-Bundjalung Elder, where he began to learn cultural knowledge, horticulture, bush tucker and cultural activities.

"When I got to Red Centre, I felt like I belonged for the first time." Mr Hogan said.

"I love it there. People listen to me, I'm part of a real team. I would like to help younger kids feel like that too, so they go down the right path."

Mr Hogan's mother said her experience trying to get the right funding and support through NDIS was quite the journey but worth it.

"He's gone from a very unhappy young man in a work environment that didn't meet his needs to doing what he wants to do, with a village of people supporting him," she said.

"He is happy. 'I am so proud of what he's achieving. He's come such a long way. It's amazing, amazing!"