West Daly council calls for help tackle Wadeye crisis

A task force and united approach to tackle the Wadeye crisis is being called for from the West Daly council.

A TASK FORCE and united approach to tackle the Wadeye crisis is being called for from the West Daly council.

As the “devastation” within the remote community rises to levels “not seen before”, the council believes an established task force would provide an immediate response and long-term rehabilitation.

The West Daly Regional Council chief executive Matthew Eastham said the council was well placed to lead the additional task force in the community to deliver community services and infrastructure.

Mr Eastham said the council was limited in the way it can support the people in the region due to funding constraints and was calling for additional support.

“(We are) ready and committed to working with the community, stakeholders and other spheres of government on a longer term and sustainable future for the region,” he said.

Homes have been destroyed and infrastructure has been damaged in the Wadeye through upheaval within the community.

The council is concerned for their staff, many of whom are Indigenous, who have been exposed to social disruption, shaming, occupational violence, constant security fears and stress.

“Enough is enough. We all know these are complex and historical issues that can’t be fixed

overnight so let’s work together to stop the violence now and protect our community into the future,” Mr Eastham said.

“WDRC has several solutions in mind to alleviate the situation as we know the community well but the organisation is constrained for various reasons. We need to start this important conversation now.’’

Arrest made after latest Wadeye disturbance

NT Police have arrested a 29-year-old man following another large disturbance in Wadeye on Tuesday evening.

Around 100 people are alleged to have armed themselves with rocks and improvised weapons resulting in one man being taken to the local clinic with a foot injury.

Police used OC pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

The man has been charged with taking part in a riot and going armed in public.

He has been remanded to appear in court at a later date.

Investigations are ongoing to a disturbance involving 300 people on Sunday evening in which rocks are alleged to have been thrown at police officers.

NT Police are engaging with traditional owners to work through the issues leading to these ongoing incidents and restore calm to the community.

Originally published as West Daly council calls for help tackle Wadeye crisis