Cape York: Police cars, homes damaged in another Aurukun riot

Four people have been charged with rioting, following more civil unrest in Aurukun that has resulted in several homes and police cars being damaged.

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FOUR people have been charged with rioting, following more civil unrest in Aurukun that has resulted in several homes and police cars being damaged.

Police are investigating a large street disturbance involving dozens of people that occurred in the Cape York indigenous community on Friday about 6pm, and then an attempted break-in at the local supermarket.

Aerial image of Aurukun, an indigenous community on the Gulf of Carpentaria, 800 kilometres north west of Cairns on Cape York in Far North Queensland. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

Some community members received minor injuries in the riot, and were treated at the western Cape township’s health clinic.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said a small number of houses sustained damage during the incident, as did three police vehicles.

“Officers received only minor injuries,” he said.

“Additional police were deployed to Aurukun overnight.

“Extra police patrols are continuing and there have been no additional significant incidents reported since Friday night.”

It is not yet known what sparked the riot, however four people were charged with rioting yesterday, and have been remanded in custody.

There were no further reports of unrest in the community overnight.

Police photos of Aurukun community unrest. A man was stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve Dec 2019 which has sparked reprisal attacks. Six houses connected with the family of the alleged murders have been burned down. – Supplied by Queensland Police Service

It is the second riot in Aurukun since New Year’s Eve, in which more than 250 people took to the township’s streets following a stabbing death, and several homes were burned down.

More than 300 locals fled the community, and have remained camped out in the bush.

The QPS spokesman said the safety of everyone in the community remained the highest priority.

“The Queensland Government will continue to embrace local Aboriginal leadership in

Aurukun to assist the community following the unrest this weekend,” he said.

“Community leaders and Elders are working closely with police and partner agencies

to maintain calm and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all community members.”

Originally published as Cape York: Police cars, homes damaged in another Aurukun riot