Restored cars and renewed purpose will roll into this year’s Red CentreNATS, presented by LMCT+, as the Rusted Gems program returns to Alice Springs for its fourth consecutive year.

This transformative initiative brings together Indigenous students and community members from across Central Australia to restore and decorate classic vehicles, which will be proudly driven and displayed at the event from 5 to 8 September.

Delivered through the Right Tracks program and supported by Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Rusted Gems equips young people with practical automotive skills, while building confidence, leadership and connection.

“The goal has always been to get local Indigenous young people involved in Red CentreNATS. It’s to give them a reason to be proud, to participate and to be seen,” said Rusted Gems Program Director Ian McAdam.

The program engages around 20 students from schools such as Yirara College and Yipirinya School, as well as communities including Papunya and Harts Range. Some participants will travel hundreds of kilometres to be part of what has become a standout event in their year.

“We find old cars, get the crew involved in bringing them back to life, then roll into Red CentreNATS to show what they’ve achieved,” McAdam said.

“Each build tells a story. It’s about where the car came from, how it was restored and the journey the team took together.”

Participants learn essential skills in vehicle maintenance, mechanical repair, fabrication, design and wrapping. Many also work towards a Certificate I or II in Automotive as part of their involvement.

“There’s a real mix of kids. Some are into cars already, others are completely new to it. Either way, they dive in, learn hands-on and usually don’t want to stop,” McAdam said.

At least five Rusted Gems vehicles will be on display this year, each built by hand in community workshops and representing the creativity, resilience and hard work of the students involved.

“We’re not in it to win. For us, the display and cruising in the Yeperenye Street Parade is all about pride,” McAdam said.

“It’s about driving through town and showing the community what these young people have built with their own hands.”

Since its launch in 2021, Rusted Gems has become much more than a workshop program. It blends culture, education and wellbeing into a powerful experience that stays with participants long after the event ends.

“At its core, this is about leadership, health and purpose,” McAdam said.

“The cars are just the entry point. They give us the chance to have real conversations about the things that matter in our communities.

“For these young people, Red CentreNATS is like the footy grand final, but with cars. It gives everything we do meaning. A goal. Something to be proud of.”

The growth of Rusted Gems has been made possible by the support of community leaders, volunteers, teachers and sponsors who continue to donate their time, tools and resources to help young people thrive.

“This is our fourth year at Red CentreNATS and every time it gets bigger,” McAdam said.

“More cars, more skills, more young people finding direction. That’s what this is all about.”

The 11th annual Red CentreNATS, presented by LMCT+, takes place in Alice Springs from 5 to 7 September 2025.

Visit www.redcentrenats.com.au for tickets and more information.