Government and Community Groups Forum

Forum Report

This report summarises the key discussion points and community solutions suggested by participants at the Stakeholder Forum held in Alice Springs on 21 June 2007.

There was general agreement amongst participants that antisocial behaviour is not a uniform experience for all in Alice Springs.

All agreed that there is a need to build a caring community in Alice Springs.

Alcohol management

Participants had a lengthy discussion about alcohol management. Department of Justice provided a briefing to participants about the Dry Areas legislation.

Community solutions suggested by participants to address alcohol-related antisocial behaviour include:

  • Review existing liquor licences and consider buy-back of licences (takeaway) to reduce the number of liquor outlets in town
  • Initiating a Takeaway Grog Free Day
  • Police to target problem areas or trouble hotspots in town
  • Better follow-through with and a holistic approach towards individuals who are at risk. This may involve a case management model where one case worker is assigned to an individual.
  • Profile individuals at risk and gain a better understanding of their background and causes for alcohol abuse
  • Better promotion and marketing of the types of support services that are available to individuals at risk.

Participants generally felt that introducing an ID process to purchase alcohol would be an inconvenience to the whole community.

Rehabilitation and treatment services are currently under-utilised in Alice Springs. There was a view that people may not be aware or understand the types of support services that are available.

There was strong agreement amongst participants that early intervention was the key towards supporting individuals who are either suffering or at risk of alcohol abuse. Strengthening community networks was essential to address the problems before they reach crisis point.

Notes from participants' group work

The following suggestions were taken from notes gathered from participants during small group work.

The range of actions suggested includes:

  • Police warnings to be documented with protocols established to protect individual’s privacy and confidentiality.
  • A day-patrol referral service.
  • Early intervention - police to direct at-risk individuals to attend rehabilitation services without issuing infringement notices.
  • Assist individuals to return to their place of residence rather than detaining them overnight.
  • Establish a youth sobriety shelter, where aggressive individuals are placed in separate rooms.
  • Community rehabilitation
  • The introduction of big sister / big brother programs
  • Mentor training programs
  • Build a caring community through active demonstrations of kindness and compassion
  • Clearer communication of the meaning, impact and implications of the infringement notices
  • Commitments must be long-term and adequately resources and evaluated
  • Co-ordination between service providers that is client-focussed rather than service-focussed.
  • Information sharing amongst agencies and services subject to adequate protection of individual’s privacy.

The range of community groups that could form part of a network for early intervention and support include, but not limited to:

  • CAAPU
  • DASA
  • Tangentyere Council
  • Congress
  • ADSCA
  • Mental health services
  • Women’s Shelter
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Relationships Australia
  • Holyoak
  • Religious groups, such as churches
  • Salvation Army
  • Men’s Shelter
  • Youth Services
  • Employment agencies
  • Education agencies
  • Housing services
  • Pit Council
  • Waltja
  • Ngurratjute
  • Camber of Commerce
  • Centrecare – food vouchers
  • St Vincent’s – clothing
  • Red Cross
  • Outreach services
  • Police chaplain.