United against violence

In a bid to make Kwinana City streets safer, the community has united to address increased antisocial behaviour by youth.

The City of Kwinana called a stakeholders meeting on Friday to try and work out a solution to ongoing youth violence, including rock throwing in the city’s town centre and fighting outside the Zone Youth Space.

Members from 12 services, WA Police, Noongar community elders and City officers met to discuss short-term and long-term solutions to the problem.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the City had been aware of antisocial behaviour occurring sporadically for the past 12 months.

Cr Adams said the purpose of the meeting was to come up with an action plan to target up to 20 juveniles.

Solutions discussed at the meeting included collaborating services, peer and male role models, higher police presence, Friday night youth activities, shopping centre restrictions for youth during school hours and more communication with young people.

Kwinana Aboriginal elder Charles Kickett said the meeting raised good ideas and he hoped positive changes could occur in the community, before something tragic happened.

Cr Adams and City officers met with police on Monday. She said it had resulted in a positive outlook and that the city was working towards creating committees to address strategies.