A Scottish minister who moved to Newcastle for its authentic community spirit has revealed he has been violently assaulted twice in the past six months, prompting a heartfelt plea for action to save Hamilton's beloved Beaumont Street.
A Love for Hamilton Tested by Violence
Reverend David Robertson, minister of Scots Kirk Church in Hamilton, told the Newcastle Herald that while he fell in love with the area's vibrant strip, his personal safety has been severely compromised. In the past six months, I've been assaulted twice and abused several more times, Mr Robertson said, describing the area's decline.
The clergyman, who relocated from North Sydney two years ago, detailed one incident where he was cycling to work and a man, potentially affected by ice and alcohol, swung a punch at him. He also recounted the unsettling experience of being subjected to foul-mouthed abuse while quietly reading a paper in a local cafe.
Beyond Litter and Needles: A Deeper Social Ill
While acknowledging that issues like dog waste, discarded needles, and litter were somewhat expected in a post-industrial city, Mr Robertson expressed his shock at the level of violence. He highlighted both random attacks and what he described as grotesque misogyny as particularly alarming trends affecting the community.
The situation has become so concerning that his church, Scots Kirk, has been forced to install additional CCTV cameras and security alarms. Mr Robertson lamented that his open-door policy has become impossible to maintain in the current climate, with some individuals even resorting to threats of violence and vandalism on social media.
A Call for Revival, Not Just Complaints
Despite the challenges, Reverend Robertson's affection for Beaumont Street remains strong. He emphasised that the street is not hell, but it is certainly not heaven. His primary concern is for the shopkeepers, tradespeople, and residents whose livelihoods depend on the area being safe and welcoming.
Politicians' fine words, or people complaining, won't change a thing, he stated firmly. He is calling for concrete action to establish a net-zero policy for violence, abuse and disrespect of people and their property.
Looking forward, Mr Robertson envisions a Hamilton revitalised as a cultural hub for music, dining, and the arts. He suggests that Beaumont Street should sing with blues, jazz, reggae, and rock, fostering a community spirit that welcomes everyone. For this revival to happen, he concludes, some of us will pray, but all must act.
