Cairns crime: White Rock resident speaking up for timid neighbours

A battered and bruised White Rock resident attacked with a machete and a crowbar has said life had become a living “hell” as crime in the area spiralled out of control.

BATTERED and bruised, but sick of retribution for speaking out against crime, a White Rock resident, attacked with a machete and a crowbar, said life had become “hell” for him and his neighbours.

Father of two and pensioner, Cliff Sparks, has been residing at White Rock for three years, but from day one, he knew he’d stepped foot into a troublesome neighbourhood.

Mr Sparks was moving boxes from his former residence at Manoora to the southern Cairns suburb when the trouble first started.

“When we came back with our second load, they were already going through our stuff. Just within an hour,” he said.

Cliff Sparks moved to White Rock three years ago and is appalled at the number of crimes committed in his suburb, particularly by youths. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Sparks said the most worrying element of the alleged crimes being committed in his neighbourhood was that most seemed unprovoked.

From copping knives waved in his and his daughter’s face earlier this year to having objects hurled at his car as he drove through his street, Mr Sparks said some of his neighbours were afraid to step outside their homes.

“The police think you have to antagonise these people to have them in your face, but you don’t,” he said.

“You just have to drive past them 20 times and the on the 21st they’ll decide that’s it.

“I’ve got neighbours who are hiring people to mow their lawns because they’re afraid to be seen outside.

“They’re afraid to be seen speaking with police, because once the police leave, there’s retribution.

“At the moment, we’re in the middle of hell.”

Cliff Sparks had a machete swung at his head and his arm broken by a crowbar in an attack two months ago. He believes that the government's latest crime figures are skewed, as most youth criminals avoid a conviction. Picture: Brendan Radke

For Mr Sparks, the breaking point was about eight weeks ago where the sound of an object hitting his car drew him outside.

“I thought it might have been a golf ball hitting the car, but when I went out I saw a juvenile with a crowbar hitting the rear window.

“He took off and so I walked down my street for a look. This was about 9am on a Sunday.

“And as I got around the corner there was another man, about 25, with a machete. He took a swipe and probably missed my head by about 8cm. But the kid went at me with the crowbar and I put my arm up to protect my face. Now my arm has been in a cast since.”

Mr Sparks said the most frustrating part was that he believed it was the same group of repeat offenders.

“At the moment we’ve got three houses that are absolute trouble here, not just to me, the whole neighbourhood,” he said.

“These group of kids are responsible for so much crime across Cairns it’s disgusting.

Cairns police establish a crime scene at White Rock, a suburb notorious for crime. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“The police are often waiting for them to get off the bus when they return home because they have stolen property on them.

“A couple of months ago when a helicopter was out chasing a stolen car, the parents were out in the yard yahooing and cheering. The parents know exactly what these kids are doing.”

Mr Sparks said a new secret Facebook group was allowing older residents afraid of speaking publicly to share to their stories.

“And I thought my situation was bad. It’s not just me, it’s the whole neighbourhood. And everyone is saying it’s the same group of kids.”

He said his complaints to different government departments including the Department of Housing had fallen on deaf ears.

“They have multiple departments within that department, but (Friday) morning they told us there were no complaints lodged. They’re just fobbing us off.

“The (State) Labor Party need to open their eyes on this juvenile justice system that stinks. It’s a merry-go-round. We’re seeing the same kids and we need more action against parents.”

Cairns Regional Council Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger. Picture: Emily Barker

Domino’s White Rock owner-operator Earle Patrick said he was familiar with Mr Sparks’ street, although his delivery drivers had never faced serious physical threats.

“Out of all the streets in White Rock, it’s definitely one that we’ve had the most issues with,” Mr Patrick said.

“We have considered not delivering there after dark, we know it’s a dangerous street.”

Cairns Regional Council Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said she was well aware of the issues at Mr Sparks’ street and there was definitely a communication breakdown between the community and the Department of Housing.

“I think it’s because they’re overworked, but it seems a lot of complaints just aren’t getting through,” she said.

“We’ve had instances where there have been drug busts at public houses in the area and the department of housing don’t seem to know about it.”

Far North District Acting Detective Inspector Kevin Goan.

As for the crimes Mr Sparks alleges, Ms Zeiger said the father of two wasn’t alone.

“There have been others in his street, but as he says, they’re afraid to speak,” she said.

“But we’ve heard multiple complaints like Mr Sparks’ and we the local (White Rock police officer) has heard the same about a couple of tenants in some of those housing properties causing troubles.”

Far North police Detective Acting Inspector Kevin Goan said while he was not personally aware of the crimes Mr Sparks alleged, he said White Rock was a high priority area.

“But if people are experiencing these situations, they need to be letting police know so we can concentrate our efforts accordingly,” he said.

Originally published as Cairns crime: White Rock resident speaking up for timid neighbours