‘Out of control:’ Wild Maccas brawl symptom of bigger Redlynch issue
A wild brawl involving up to 30 kids has brought to light hidden social issues within the Redlynch Valley amid growing support for a new police station. See the horrific footage.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Teen fights promoted on social media and evolving into roving brawls throughout the Redlynch Valley have prompted calls for a new police station in the area amid significant population increases.
Last Friday a video recorded at the Redlynch McDonald’s revealed the scale of the emerging issue when up to 30 youths were filmed taking part in a wild melee that staff were unable to contain.
Sources say youths arrange fights through a Fight Club style Instagram page before meeting at various parks throughout Redlynch the Cairns Post has chosen not to reveal.
Redlynch Boxing Fitness owner Ken Dalton has seen videos shown to him by boxing students and is concerned about an escalating situation.
“You don’t get 50 kids showing up unless it’s advertised,” he said.
Mr Dalton claimed illicit drug use was major issue among Redlynch youths.
“And all the kids seem to be vaping, that’s everywhere. But it’s escalated,” he said.
“It’s a cocktail for disaster and the underlying mental health issues are not being addressed.”
Located between existing stations at Cairns West and Smithfield, Mr Dalton has pushed for the state government to consider the future needs of Redlynch as the 136 lot Redlynch Vistas estate comes online and more families move to the area.
“There is a need for future planning, the issue we have with youth crime is well documented, with that fighting and the thieving, the amount of cars stolen is ridiculous,” he said.
“I support the police but they need the members and the infrastructure to help them.”
Mr Dalton believed better support of young Redlynch kids that have fallen through cracks of the social support system was needed to end an emerging culture of violence, truancy and drug use.
“In the suburbs of Redlynch, there are a lot of kids in this suburb that are dropping out of school and they hit the drugs and their parents reach out to me to help. They are lost in the system,” he said.
“I would like to see a program delivered to all kids that fit the criteria and need the extra help so they don’t become a burden on society.”
A parent of one Redlynch State College student involved in the brawl claimed his son was attacked at the restaurant and has since been disciplined by the school.
“Those four boys were defending themselves in school uniform and now they are not allowed back in school until the investigation is done,” he said.
“It’s out of control.”
In the ugly scenes at the Redlynch McDonalds, a restaurant employee can be seen caught up in the fracas but was powerless to separate teenage boys throwing wild punches, including one young man smashing another boy’s head with an e-scooter crash helmet.
Police were called and attended the incident, however it’s understood no charges were laid.
Education Queensland in a statement stated the department is aware of an incident that involved Redlynch State College students.
“The incident is currently being investigated by the schools and will be managed in line with the school’s Student Code of Conduct,” a spokesman said.
“No further details including disciplinary actions can be provided due to student privacy reasons.”
McDonald’s Australia has been contacted for comment.
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Out of control:’ Wild Maccas brawl symptom of bigger Redlynch issue