“Aboriginal Ex-Prison General David “ROEY” Roe: 17 Years Inside Prison to Full Redemption”

Today on PHATT TV we sit down with Brother David “Roey” Roe — a proud Aboriginal man from the Northern Territory who spent 17 years inside, ran street crews, lived through some of Australia’s toughest juvenile & adult prisons, and rose to the position of a general within the system. But this story isn’t about crime. It’s about redemption, culture, healing, leadership, and transformation. Rowey opens up about: 🔥 Growing up in Darwin Housing Commission 🔥 Entering crime as a young teen 🔥 Surviving the notorious Dondale youth centre 🔥 Running major crews & navigating prison politics 🔥 Trauma, loss, brotherhood & responsibility 🔥 His 6-year sentence in Victoria 🔥 How culture, smoking ceremonies & counselling changed his path 🔥 Becoming a mentor, community worker & role model 🔥 Reconnecting with family & building a new life This episode is for anyone who needs hope, direction, or proof that you CAN turn your life around — no matter your past. Much respect to Brother Roey for sharing his journey with raw honesty and heart. 👉 If you want more interviews like this, smash LIKE & SUBSCRIBE. 👉 Drop your questions in the comments — Rowey may answer them. PHATT TV — Real Stories. Real People. Real Redemption. #RedemptionStory #AboriginalCulture #PrisonReformAU #RealLifeInterviews #phattv 00:00 – Intro Music 00:27 – Welcome Back to PHATT TV 00:33 – Introducing Brother Rowey 01:04 – Aboriginal Culture & Upbringing in Darwin 02:05 – Life as a Young Fella in Housing Commission 03:22 – First Steps Into Crime 04:12 – Running Away at 11–12 Years Old 05:09 – Day Breaks, Night Breaks & Escalation 05:47 – Entering Dondale Youth Detention 07:01 – Violence, Trauma & Survival Inside 08:31 – Separate Confinement at 14 09:55 – Prison Politics in NT 11:14 – Forming the DNC Street Crew 12:48 – System Loyalty & Brotherhood 14:08 – From Juvenile to Adult Prison Life 15:25 – Mandatory Sentencing & Consequences 16:20 – Becoming a Leader Inside 18:40 – Over a Decade Locked Up in NT 20:07 – Facing Life Sentences Among Friends 21:00 – Survival Rules Inside 22:32 – Extradited to Victoria 24:00 – Experiences in Melbourne Prisons 26:15 – Entering MRC & Establishing Respect 28:20 – Prison Networks & Ethnic Groups 29:40 – Becoming a General in Victoria 31:26 – Cultural Values, Smoking Ceremonies & Morals 33:02 – Transferring to Different Vic Prisons 34:40 – Beachworth & Transition Centre 36:06 – Unlearning Violence & Changing Mindset 38:15 – Seeing Helicopter Evacuations 39:50 – Daily Life & Opportunities in Transition 41:35 – Discovering Culture & Healing 43:00 – The Program That Changed His Life 44:55 – Becoming a Mentor & Community Worker 46:20 – Reconnecting With Kids & Building Structure 47:38 – His Lowest Memory — Losing His Mum 49:15 – His Happiest Memory — Meeting His Partner 50:35 – Closing Message for Young People 51:20 – Street Fighter Match (Bonus Fun) 52:40 – Final Words — Redemption Is Possible