New plan to fix long‑standing problems in Port Augusta

By Arj Ganesan

ABC North and West SA

Topic: Social Problems

Kuyani and Adnyamathanha elder Malcolm "Tiger" McKenzie says his repeated invites to visit Davenport were ignored.

In short:

The state will set up a taskforce to tackle crime and violence in Port Augusta.

It adds to programs tried since the City Safe Program ended in 2020.

What's next:

Few details on the taskforce’s work have been released; officials from several departments, the local MP and the council will meet behind closed doors on Friday.

Aboriginal leaders and frontline workers have seen many attempts to curb crime and violence come and go.

With a new government taskforce announced, there is hope but also frustration over the lack of Indigenous input.

Barngarla elder Aunty Linda Dare says crime and violence are rising.

"The state needs to sit with the community because we see the problem every day," she said.

Barngarla elder Aunty Linda Dare says crime and violence are rising in Port Augusta.

"They must hold a forum so we can share our views with them."

For elders Malcolm "Tiger" McKenzie, the missing political presence in nearby Davenport must be fixed.

He said repeated invites to visit the community had been ignored.

From alcohol to illegal drugs

Heavy alcohol limits introduced in 2022 were welcomed as a positive step by frontline staff.

Limits covered takeaway bottle size and required ID scans to enforce them.

Alinda Hogg, project coordinator at Stepping Stones, says meth use has grown in the past two years.

Alinda Hogg, project coordinator at Stepping Stones, an Aboriginal drug and alcohol service provider.

She said a colleague told her a client bought meth without needing ID.

In April, the council warned residents about more discarded needles in the area.

Both Hogg and Aunty Linda Dare say meth is now driving more crime than alcohol.

Danger of rhetoric stoking racism

Indigenous youth advocates Eli Partridge and Christian Khan warn that talk of rising "crime" or "substance abuse" can turn into attacks on young Aboriginal men.

The two 19‑year‑olds belong to the Davenport Community Alliance, formed in late 2024.

Both say they have been profiled, which has badly affected young men.

Youth advocates Eli Partridge and Christian Khan, both 19, have felt racially profiled.

Mr Partridge says he sometimes wishes his skin were lighter.

Mr Khan says he feels ashamed just walking around.

They say there is no easy fix, but they praise programs like Mangrove Court that help families of young offenders.

"Sit with them, learn why they act that way, and find ways to help them," Mr Khan said.

History of programs in Pt Augusta

It is not the first try to fix long‑standing issues in Port Augusta.

In 2020 the City Safe Program was ended after the council said it was not core business.

The program had run for 11 years, using security staff and a K9 unit to lower crime and violence.

Ms Hogg said it helped calm situations without police.

Heavy alcohol limits were placed in Port Augusta in 2022.

"They would come in and calm things down … people felt less threatened … it was less confrontational," she said.

"It was sad to see them go."

Aunty Linda Dare felt the same and said violence rose quickly after the program stopped.

"The K9 officer was brilliant and I have to give him credit," she said.

"He actually stopped many fights."

Aboriginal elders and frontline workers say crime and violence are rising in Port Augusta.

In 2021 the Port Augusta Responsible Communities (PARC) replaced the City Safe Program.

That too lost council support before a government change in 2022 ended it.

In 2024, $12 million was set aside for three years by state and federal governments for the Port Augusta and Davenport Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.

Little detail has been released on how the taskforce will work; officials will meet on Friday to discuss next steps.

Davenport's overgrown sports field used to be a place for community connection.

The taskforce will add to work already started by the state and federal Wellbeing Plan.

This includes Mangrove Court, which began in March to address youth offending causes.

Both elders say any crime‑reduction measures need clear, measurable goals that can be reviewed easily.

Breaking down barriers

Looking at the empty buildings and overgrown fields of the old Davenport training centre makes Tiger McKenzie feel deep sadness.

He remembers how the facility and nearby football and cricket pitches let Indigenous and non‑Indigenous people meet and connect.

The former training centre and sports grounds at Davenport have fallen into disrepair since closing.

"They engage … non‑Aboriginal people engage with Aboriginal people to understand Aboriginal people," he said.

"Then they become mates."

Before it closed about 15‑20 years ago, Mr McKenzie said it was a great meeting place, with teams traveling from Roxby Downs, Leigh Creek and Copley to play and socialize.

On nearby dunes people would "light a fire and cook kangaroo".

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