Community leaders in Kununurra are pushing for a dedicated night space as a key solution to the town's escalating youth crime problem, with the Western Australian government committing to establish one by the end of 2026. The announcement comes after a series of incidents, including the arrest of four female juveniles on Sunday night following a police pursuit using a stinger device.
Police revealed that 17 juveniles were arrested in a 72-hour period last week in Kununurra, a remote town 3,000 kilometres north of Perth. The latest arrests occurred around 11:50 pm on Sunday when officers used a tyre deflation device to stop a stolen Toyota Hilux being driven erratically. The ages of the four female suspects were not disclosed.
Wunan Foundation executive chair Ian Trust emphasized the need for a tailored approach, stating that a night space designed specifically for Kununurra's needs would be a starting point. However, he stressed that the focus must extend beyond the juveniles to include their families, asking, 'How do we help them to move forward and help their children as well?' Trust called for both short-term police responses to ensure safety and long-term strategies.
Youth leader Tremane Baxter-Edwards, who grew up in the East Kimberley, highlighted the complex social factors behind youth crime, urging that solutions be community-driven rather than imposed from Perth or Canberra. 'A lot of these young people commit these crimes because they don't have the love and affection from family,' he said, emphasizing the need for community and family support.
WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said the government aims to partner with local organizations to provide 'wrap-around services,' including safe spaces for young people at night. 'It's really about giving young kids a pathway they may not be exposed to in their home environment,' she said. Department of Communities Director-General Mike Rowe pointed to the successful Night Place in Fitzroy Crossing as a model and noted that the Target 120 program, active in Kununurra and 19 other WA locations, has helped around 600 children since its launch.
