Kimberley youth night spaces heralded as 'blueprint' for WA
Community leaders say youth night centres in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing have significantly reduced youth crime. Advocates hope a new temporary hub in Kununurra will deliver the same outcome for young people.
Two years ago, youth night spaces were launched in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia's Kimberley region. These centres have been credited with significantly reducing youth crime in the area. Isiah Brooking, a performer at an event marking the second anniversary of the Fitzroy Crossing hub, described the space as a beautiful place to come and play.
Since opening, over 950 children have engaged with the Fitzroy Crossing hub, and staff have served more than 55,000 meals. Police officer Mark Howes, who has been in charge of the Fitzroy Crossing hub for three years, reported a substantial decrease in youth crime, noting that young people now wave to officers and are more likely to tell the truth.
The Broome hub has also received high praise for its facilities and staff, earning it the title of a "blueprint" for other Western Australian services. The hub's manager, Fiona Hart, expressed pride in the facility, stating that it has created a space that feels like a home away from home. The evaluation report also noted a significant decrease in crime across three Broome suburbs since the hub's opening.
Kununurra plans to launch its own temporary night space later this year, with a permanent facility set to open at the end of the year.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
