His father died when he was young and he lived in Macquarie Fields during the 2005 riots and in Minto, where he would sleep at mates’ houses when his own home was too chaotic.

‘‘If sardines were alive inside the can they’d argue,’’ Jake said.

‘‘My mum did the best she could raising six kids on her own. I’d do anything to make her happy. It was a bit crushing to tell her I’d gotten my girlfriend pregnant at 16, but I’ve been the best father I can be.’’

On a recent week spent trekking the Northern Territory’s wide red plains, climbing its mountains and sleeping under its ‘‘limitless amount’’ of stars, Jake, 18, felt his world grow bigger.

He and fellow Wollongong teen Hayley Pyrmont - both clients of Southern Youth and Family Services - were among eight young people chosen to complete a money-can’t-buy 100 kilometre trek with mentors including rock star Kirk Pengilly, champion surfer Layne Beachley and NSW Premier Mike Baird.

Each of the teens had set their lives back on track after overcoming homelessness.

Their week-long trek took in Uluru, the summit of Mt Sonder and the Ormiston Gorge.

As the adventure progressed, stories were shared and barriers came down.

‘‘We just sat around the fire and had a talk,’’ Jake said. 

‘‘They [the mentors] let us know what it was like for them growing up, what they did to get where they are now. Hearing that inspired us. 

‘‘It was a great experience to get to know them at my own level. I don’t see them any more as ex-world champion, rock star, premier - they’re just friends of mine I can call up any time I need help.’’

Hayley, who lived in refuges after she left her own home to escape abuse, celebrated her 20th birthday on the final day of the trek.

She wrote a song along the way and, at the group’s encouragement, performed it with help from Beachley.

‘‘The trail is very rocky ... it will never end unless we keep on walking,’’ the lyrics went.

‘‘We sit around the fire, talk laugh and cry ... walking through the dark, we trip and we laugh till the top of Mt Sonder.’’