WALGETT Shire mayor Jasen Ramien has invited NSW Premier Chris Minns to visit Walgett and “have a real conversation with us about real solutions” after a female patron attending the local swimming pool with her children was allegedly confronted at knife point over the October long weekend.
The lady’s car was stolen in front of children, parents and staff.
“I am formally inviting Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, and newly-appointed NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon to visit Walgett and have a real conversation with us about real solutions,” Cr Ramien said.
“We need their support and leadership on the ground, not just words from afar.”
The pool was closed to allow police investigations and staff debriefing, and reopened on October 5.
The incident follows a concerning rise in criminal activity in Walgett in recent weeks.
Cr Ramien said the latest event marks a serious escalation that cannot continue unchecked.
Around the same time as the incident at the pool, there were also two separate home invasions, a car stolen which ended in a police pursuit and the vehicle being burnt out and two attempted break-ins.
“Enough is enough,” Cr Ramien said.
“One of these incidents occurred in a Council-owned house. Instead of investing in community projects, we have been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on additional security measures for Council properties.
“It is time the State Government and the court system got serious about the problems we are facing.”
Staff and patrons at Walgett Swimming Pool witnessed a shocking incident over the October long weekend.
Cr Ramien said the people of Walgett have proven their resilience before.
“A few months ago we saw a similar spike in crime, and it was the community that came together to take a stand. That same spirit will be needed again, but we cannot do it alone,” he said.
Council’s general manager, Andrew Brown, a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of New England, said that while Council continues to play an active role in community safety, sustainable change requires proper investment in diversionary programs and crime prevention.
“Council is a willing partner in crime prevention, but we cannot do it alone. We need proper funding for proper diversionary programs and the development of a comprehensive crime prevention strategy,” Mr Brown said.
“Diversionary programs that engage young people in education, sport and employment opportunities are proven to reduce offending, but they require consistent and coordinated funding. Short-term or ad hoc projects will not deliver the outcomes our community deserves,” he said.
Mr Brown said the Walgett community is uniquely positioned to lead a proactive approach to rural crime prevention.
“We have, right on our doorstep, the nation’s only research centre dedicated to rural crime at the University of New England,” he said.
“We need to bring together researchers, police, the courts and most importantly, the community. “With genuine collaboration and appropriate investment, we can make a real difference, but we need the funding to make it happen.”
Cr Ramien said the safety of staff and patrons remains Council’s highest priority.
“If we cannot ensure a safe environment for our staff, we will be forced to close the pool. We know how important this facility is to the community, but safety must always come first,” he said.
He said it is now time for senior decision-makers to come to Walgett and hear directly from the community.
“Enough talk. It is now time for action,” Cr Ramien said.
