Larrakia Nation patrols record 60 per cent spike in alcohol-related call outs

A SIGNIFICANT spike in alcohol-related call outs in Darwin have reignited concerns about anti-social itinerant behaviour, as a leading Aboriginal corporation revealed people were streaming into the city from across the NT

A SIGNIFICANT spike in alcohol-related call outs in Darwin have reignited concerns about anti-social itinerant behaviour, as a leading Aboriginal corporation revealed people were streaming into the city from across the NT.

Community leaders have blamed an increase in dole payments, the dire remote housing situation and coronavirus safety complacency for the rise in Darwin’s itinerant population in recent months.

A Larrakia Nation survey has revealed a 60 per cent spike in alcohol-related calls out in January compared to August 2020.

It also showed a spike in Darwin’s itinerant population, with patrols engaging with about 270 more people last December than the same time in 2019- an increase of 12 per cent.

Itinerants gather at Vesteys Beach and Fannie Bay.

A spokesman for the Aboriginal corporation said “a lot of new people” were coming into town that the organisation had no record of, with the itinerants opting to set up camp around East Point and Mindil Beach.

“Many of the new faces tell us they’ve come in because of housing issues or they’ve got Centrelink money they want to spend,” he said.

“Some think it's safer in Darwin during COVID.”

The survey, obtained by the NT News, also revealed there had been a major 287 per cent spike in the number of shopping centre call outs for Larrakia Nation rangers in the six months to December 2020 compared to the same time frame in 2019.

Larrakia elder Richard Fejo said about 1200 people were returned to country during the early days of the pandemic, but many returned to Darwin after biosecurity zones lifted last June.

“Many rushed up here before the Wet to shop and enjoy themselves especially after the Centrelink payments went up,” he said.

“I’m worried people are getting complacent and coming back to Darwin, especially in light of the COVID outbreak in Melbourne.”

Hospitality NT boss Alex Bruce said Darwin restaurants and pubs on the “front line” have reported a noticeable increase in itinerants in the city.

“The numbers are up, and there is a larger cohort from Central Australia with less connection and respect for Larrakia people and their patrols,” he said.

Larrakia Nation patrols have noticed an increase in Darwin’s itinerant population over recent months.

“This displacement occurs in part because of the prohibition policies enforced in other parts of the Territory and contributes to our crime rates in the Top End.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the government’s “return to country” program would continue to assist people looking to return to community.

“New accommodation at Batten Road provides a safer option to the streets for those who might otherwise not have a safe place to shelter in Darwin,” he said.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he was worried about a handful of troublemakers who have come to Darwin just to drink.

“There are people here who drink a lot and get very aggressive,” he said.

Mr Vatskalis said he wants police to begin regular foot patrols in Darwin again to quell anti-social behaviour.