Roxburgh Park’s Homestead Community and Learning Centre the target of anti-social activity

DRUG deals are being done in the carpark of a Roxburgh Park community centre that is next to a primary school and childcare centre, as authorities ramp up action against anti-social behaviour.

Police have blasted anti-social behaviour at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre. Picture: Mark Dadswell

POLICE are “disgusted” with the anti-social behaviour, extreme littering, and hoon activity plaguing a community centre in Roxburgh Park.

The Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Wiltshire Drive, used by almost 12,000 people every year, has been targeted by youths since December, according to police.

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Hume crime prevention officer Senior Constable Damien Collins said the behaviour by mostly 18-25-year-olds was creating a sense of fear among the community.

He said drug deals were also starting to play out in the centre’s carpark.

“The homestead is used by a number of community groups in the area and it’s disgusting that people could leave this community hub in such a filthy state,” he said.

Tyre marks in the centre’s carpark. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Sen-Constable Collins said they would consider increasing police patrols in the area.

The homestead offers classes and programs including English language, job and computer skills, art and dance workshops, and hosts festivals and arts exhibitions.

Its granite and red-brick buildings and farm sheds have been part of Victoria’s colonial history since the 1800s.

Litter at the homestead.

Hume Eyewatch Facebook followers reacted angrily to the community space being trashed and have called for a greater police presence.

Resident Adrijana Masic-Murica said the community was fed up.

She said the behaviour wasn’t acceptable especially given the homestead was next to a primary school and childcare centre.

Hume community services director Margarita Caddick said the council was working with Victoria Police to deter further anti-social behaviour at the site.

“Additional bins have been installed in the centre’s carpark and other measures such as modifications to lighting and the installation of a gate are being considered,” she said.

“Any dumped rubbish, whether it’s a food wrapper or boxes of waste, is damaging to the environment and visual appearance; and the cost to clean it up is a burden on our ratepayers.”

Ms Caddick said after similar activity was reported at the Greenvale Recreation Centre, the council installed a chain across the main carpark.

She said the measure had worked as a deterrent.

To report litter, visit hume.vic.gov.au or report anti-social behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au