“Meditate daily for 30 minutes – unless you are busy – in that case, sit for an hour.”
-Zen Proverb
A New Generation of Sobriety in the Territory!
Introducing NTYPAA
Northern Territory Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous
Recovery, Unity and Service in Northern Region Area A
NORTHERN TERRITORY YOUNG PEOPLES ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
NTYPAA
Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous—usually shortened to YPAA—grew out of a straightforward need: younger alcoholics wanted to meet others who understood what it was like to get sober early in life.
It is part of AA, using the same Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and message of recovery. What makes YPAA distinctive is its emphasis on bringing younger people, and often people young in sobriety, together through meetings, service, conventions and sober social activities.
The documented story begins in the United States in the 1940s. Australia’s national YPAA convention began in Melbourne in 2010.
The early history in America
Young people’s groups appeared around 1945
According to the International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous, young people’s AA groups began appearing around 1945 in Los Angeles, Cleveland and Philadelphia. AA itself was only about ten years old at the time.
These groups recognised that younger alcoholics could face particular difficulties in accepting their alcoholism and finding their place in a Fellowship where many members were older. Meeting other young people in recovery could help a newcomer see that they did not have to wait until later in life to seek help—and that a satisfying sober life was possible.
The first international conference: 1958
In April 1958, young AA members from the United States and Canada gathered in Niagara Falls, New York, for what became the International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous, known as ICYPAA. It brought together young people from both young people’s groups and other AA groups.
One account says that “young people” at the early conference meant people under 40. That was a description used at the time, not a universal AA membership rule.
ICYPAA describes its purpose as providing a place where young people in AA can celebrate sobriety and share experience, strength and hope. Its account also says that members who attend can return home better prepared to welcome young newcomers. It identifies AA’s three legacies—Recovery, Unity and Service—as central to the conference.
Bill W.’s encouragement
Bill W. took an encouraging view of younger AA members. At the 1960 AA Convention, he observed that people were coming into the Fellowship at a younger age than when he and Dr Bob had begun AA.
In a letter to ICYPAA dated 15 June 1969, he expressed confidence that AA’s future would be in the care of its younger generation. His message recognised young members as participants in the Fellowship’s future service and stewardship.
From those beginnings, young people’s groups and YPAA conferences spread across North America and beyond. They have taken different local forms: some are meetings; others are committees that organise conventions, round-ups and social events.
The history in Australia
AA arrived before YPAA
For context, AA’s first Australian meeting was held in 1945. That does not mean YPAA began in Australia that year; it places the later development of young people’s activity within Australia’s wider AA history.
The first national AUSYPAA convention: Melbourne, 2010
The clearest milestone for Australian YPAA is the inaugural Australian Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous convention, or AUSYPAA, held in Melbourne in 2010.
An archival AUSYPAA website says that its statement of purpose was ratified at that inaugural convention. The statement focuses on carrying the message of recovery to alcoholics who still suffer and encouraging unity and fellowship among people young in recovery throughout Australia.
National and state activity
Australian YPAA has since included national conventions and local committees. Examples include:
- AUSYPAA — the Australian national young people’s convention.
- VICYPAA — Victorian Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous.
- WAYPAA — Western Australian Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous.
- NEWYPAA — New South Wales Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous.
AUSYPAA records identify Perth as host of the 2017 national convention, and a 2017 Australian General Service Conference report also refers to an AUSYPAA convention. More recently, Western Australia hosted the national YPAA convention in 2025.
As of 27 October 2026, Victoria’s VICYPAA committee is preparing to host the 2026 AUSYPAA convention, “The Fourth Dimension,” at Fitzroy Town Hall from 30 October to 1 November 2026. The advertised programme includes AA speakers on recovery, fellowship and service, Al-Anon participation, and a dinner and dance.
What YPAA does
YPAA activity varies from place to place, but its work generally falls into four areas.
1. Welcoming and connecting newcomers.
Young people can hear from others with experiences they recognise. Someone who feels out of place in AA may find it easier to identify when they meet another person who got sober at a similar age or stage of life.
2. Sharing the AA programme.
YPAA events include AA meetings, speaker sessions and discussions about recovery. They carry the same AA message: one alcoholic sharing experience with another.
3. Providing sober fellowship.
Committees organise activities such as conventions, dinners, dances and other gatherings. These give members a chance to form friendships and enjoy social life without alcohol. VICYPAA explicitly describes its events as opportunities to celebrate sobriety, recovery and fellowship.
4. Encouraging service.
Organising an event involves practical service: planning, welcoming attendees, arranging speakers, handling finances and working together through a committee. ICYPAA notes that its participants also serve at group, area and other levels of AA.
WAYPAA gives a useful Australian example. It describes itself as a committee for AA members with under ten years of sobriety, providing a way to learn about service. Its events, however, are open to AA members regardless of their length of sobriety, as well as family and friends. This is WAYPAA’s local approach, not a universal definition for every YPAA committee.
Does “young people” mean there is an age limit?
There is no single YPAA age rule that can safely be applied everywhere. Some activities emphasise chronological age; others emphasise being young in sobriety. Local committee eligibility and event arrangements can differ.
ICYPAA says its events welcome alcoholics regardless of age and that many regular attendees would not initially describe themselves as young. WAYPAA’s distinction between its committee and its events is another example of how local arrangements can work.
For a particular meeting or convention, it is sensible to check its own description—especially whether an AA meeting is open or closed and who is invited to any associated social event.
How does YPAA fit within AA?
YPAA is an expression of AA fellowship and service, not a different recovery programme. Young people’s meetings, convention committees and national conferences may each have different local arrangements, so their relationship with an Area, District or other service body should be checked locally.
That distinction matters for your work as Delegate: a YPAA convention is not the same thing as the General Service Conference. A convention primarily brings people together for recovery, fellowship and service; the General Service Conference has its own representative and advisory role in AA’s service structure.
From the perspective of the Traditions, the purpose is to help alcoholics find and sustain recovery while maintaining AA unity. ICYPAA describes itself and young people’s committees as part of AA when their events are run by AA members for AA members without outside affiliation.
YPAA’s contribution is to help younger people see that they belong in AA now. A person does not have to lose another ten or twenty years before their drinking is taken seriously. Equally, someone who arrives later in life can be “young in sobriety” and find encouragement in the enthusiasm and service of these gatherings.
YPAA could also be a useful way of encouraging newer members into service and showing that recovery includes friendship and enjoyment.
Contact Luke C 0459289622
Is Your AA Gathering a Group or just a Meeting?
The pamphlet “The A.A. Group” states “The main difference between meetings and groups is that A.A. groups generally continue to exist outside the prescribed meeting hours…[they] are encouraged to get listed with G.S.O. as well as with their local offices…”
New Men’s Big Book Study Meeting in Casuarina.
Looking for a stronger understanding of the Big Book and the Twelve Steps? Join the new Darwin Men’s Big Book Study Group in Casuarina every Thursday night 630pm -8pm
Newcomers and long-time members are equally welcome. Come along, bring your Big Book if you have one, and share in recovery, fellowship and hope—one page at a time.
New Darwin Men’s Big Book Study Group
A new Men’s Big Book Study Group is now meeting in Casuarina every Thursday night 630pm.
The meeting offers men a welcoming and supportive place to study and discuss the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, share their experience of recovery, and deepen their understanding of the Twelve Steps.
Whether you are new to Alcoholics Anonymous, returning after some time away, or have many years of sobriety, you are warmly invited to attend. No previous knowledge of the Big Book is needed—just a desire to stop drinking.
When: Thursday nights 630pm – 8pm
Where: Casuarina, Darwin. MLA’s Office Casuarina Village
Meeting: Men’s Big Book Study Group contact Luke 0459289622, Dan T 0408901819
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JaMLKgNkWCpugRbo9
12 STEP VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR OUR 12 STEP ROSTER
“Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics”
Alcoholics Anonymous p89.
Contact Sam H: 0400579656
NEW FEATURE:
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE CURRENT MEETINGS SCHEDULE
“Sunday Arvi at the Doo”
Okay, how long since you crossed the Berrimah line??? I recently did. A very pleasant drive to see the Fogg Dam spillway overflowing, water lilies, crocs and cranes. Then down to the peace and solitude of Manton Dam returning to the HUMPTY DOO, 2pm meeting. Always such an extra welcoming meeting and always surprising who may turn up. This meeting has a wonderful history of “carrying the message” over the decades and always renown for some of its bush characters. The trouble is, it is becoming “too distant” for many Darwinites – really. So I suggest, why not pack your “tuckerbag” on a lazy Sunday afternoon and head down to a warm and friendly welcome from John, some bikky’s, a cuppa and have a look at “how bill sees it”.
- SUNDAY – 2.00PM – “As Bill Sees It”, Living Water Uniting Church, Challoner Circuit, Humpty Doo. Contact: John 0473307684
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZW8sQfV4miVvFmwg9
An update from the General Service Board
DECEMBER2025
Northern Region — Area A
We are delighted to share some very positive
news from the Northern Region Area A General
Assembly, held on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
Margaret M was nominated by her Area for the
position of Northern Region Trustee and was
elected by the Board on an interim basis on
Tuesday, 16 December. Michael G was also
elected as the Area A Delegate at the Area A
Assembly.
Both Margaret and Michael bring experience,
enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to service.
Their willingness to step forward is warmly
welcomed, and we look forward to the valuable
contributions they will make to the wider
Fellowship. This is wonderful news for the
Northern Region, and we extend our
congratulations and gratitude to them both.
BE A PART OF THE DARWIN DISTRICT OFFICE COMMITTEE
“It’s not a job, it’s a gift” Mick G – former DDO Chair.
The Darwin District Office Committee is responsible for the running of the Darwin District Office, to make sure that the still suffering alcoholic can find us.
6 months sobriety the endorsement of your home Group, and a commitment to be of service to AA are the requirements.
On September 4th, the current Committee rotates off, and a new Committee is elected.
Available jobs are: District Committee Member (Chair), Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Office Maintenance, Office Coordinator, Treatment and Corrections Coordinator, Webmaster, Literature Officer, Public Information Officer.
Job Descriptions are available.
“ By our Twelve Steps we have recovered, by our Twelve Traditions we have unified, and through our Third Legacy – Service – we shall carry the AA message down through all the corridors of time to come. Of this, I am happily confident.”
Bill Wilson “Language of the Heart” page 134
BILL W CAMP JULY 2025
SPIRITUALITY UNDER THE STARS.
There is a magic at the Bill W Camp which is indescribably wonderful. I felt it the first time I attended 21 years ago, and it was certainly still there this year.
We had our usual reserved campsite by the river, AA and Al-Anon members from all over Australia got together for a weekend of sharing, caring, eating and laughing. We kicked off with a Welcome ID meeting on the Friday night. With stars for a roof, and a fire in the background we listened to the language of the heart.
Saturday was action packed. BBQ breakfast at 7am. Our first meeting at 9am was the day’s reading from The Daily Reflections – The “worth” of Sobriety. A cuppa, then straight into another meeting on Steps 10 and 11 from the Big Book. Many of our visitors have a lot of experience, so it was wonderful to hear from them, as well as us locals. Good to see some newer members take part as well.
The afternoon involved a very competitive and dramatic damper cooking contest. The deserving winner was Fay P from Al-Anon , second place Bob W, third to Tok, with participation certificates to George and Charles.
This was followed by the auction which is always a crowd favourite. The generosity for some questionable donations was magnificent. The money raised offsets the cost of the camp and the balance is given back to the fellowship to support our service structure.
Next was dinner. Mark P, our camp site coordinator, excelled himself, providing a sumptuous BBQ of prawns, Thai mackerel wraps (yum!) steak, sausages and salad – all for only $10!
Feeling full and happy we joined with Al-Anon for a co-chaired open meeting. Again, the sharing under the stars was amazing, and it was moving to hear different experiences of alcoholism and recovery. I found it really inspiring – the AA programme really works for everyone. A rough head count during that meeting came up with 55 attending.
The night kicked on with “Red Faces”. God blessed us with a mix of talent and there was plenty of laughs. I have to say Dave’s guitar work is fantastic, and thanks to all those who took centre stage.
Sunday morning started a little slower with a tribute by the river to AA members who had passed in the last 12 months. This was followed by a “Spiritual Concepts” meeting. Again, such a variety of experiences but a similar outcome – happy, joyous and free.
The camp closed with a Sobriety countdown, our Al-Anon friends in the centre. The longest sober member passed on a Big Book which had been signed by everyone to the newest member. Al-Anon did the same.
We joined in a “pot-luck” lunch before we dispersed – some heading out to Kakadu, all of us to trudge the road to happy destiny. See you all next year!
Marg M
What a Difference a Lunch Makes
How can we AA in the Territory members carry the message to professional people working in the area of alcohol and drugs to let them know that not only is Alcoholics Anonymous alive and well but is available as a resource, both in NT centres and remote areas?. We’ve tried this sort of thing before with little success and professionals are busy people and don’t find much joy in coming to something where they’ll be “talked at”.
Invite them to lunch would seem to be the answer. And what a great idea that turned out to be. When our National Remote Area Working Group contacted AA Areas around Australia offering tips, tricks and information to use in our regional area to make such a lunch a success and carry the message to remote communities, a small working group led by our Public Information Officer Judelle G set about making this happen.
The result is that on Wednesday, 25 June a total of 28 people working in the field and drugs and alcohol and allied fields like domestic violence and intensive care came along to a well-known Darwin restaurant which looks out on the tranquil waters of Cullen Bay. Guests enjoyed a nice lunch, strictly timed to finish after 1½ hours so they could get back to work.
Twelve AA members attended, paying for their own lunch, joining those lunching at the tables, telling them about AA and their experience and recovery. Marg M acted as MC, thanking those for coming and outlining what the lunch hoped to achieve. She introduced the program which included a video Does AA Work? and member Matt DJ, who told some of his story. Both were very well received.
A generous gift of 20 literature packs from CSO Parramatta (NSW) included eight pamphlets, a Big Book and the Message Stick. We had to source more literature packs when Family Safety Framework NT asked if extra staff from domestic, police and emergency services could attend. Professionals who attended included Alcohol and Drugs (AOD) case workers, rehab managers, religious leaders, domestic violence police, lawyers, politicians, medical services staff and community leaders. Afterwards many stayed on to ask how their organisation could get more information about AA, inquiring about meetings, doing presentations in their workplace and asking for a link to the video Does AA Work?.
After the lunch Judelle emailed the professionals, thanking them for attending, provided a feedback form and gave a link to the video. An intensive care paramedic instructor said he would use the video in training to share information with his peers. The manager of a rehab we had been trying for years to get AA information into said she would be arranging a bus to bring clients weekly to one of our meetings. How good is that!
Judelle thanked all members involved in the lunch which, despite the numbers, came in under budget. She added: “A huge thank you to our trusted National Remote Area Coordinator – your dedication is an inspiration”.