Another plan unveiled to tackle long-standing issues in Port Augusta

Aboriginal leaders and those on the front line of Port Augusta's long-standing crime and violence issues have seen attempts to address it come and go.As another plan is unveiled, this time a government taskforce, there is optimism but also some frustration over a lack of Indigenous consultation.Barngarla elder Aunty Linda Dare says crime and violence is on the rise."As far as I'm concerned, the state needs to come and sit down with the community, because we are the ones that see it on a day-to-day basis," she said.Barngarla elder Aunty Linda Dare says crime and violence is on the rise in Port Augusta. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)"They need to come and sit down, have a forum with us so we can put our opinions across to them."For Kuyani and Adnyamathanha elder Malcolm "Tiger" McKenzie, the lack of political presence in the neighbouring Aboriginal community of Davenport is an issue that needs to be addressed.He said repeated invitations to visit the community had been ignored.From alcohol to illicit substancesThe introduction of heavy restrictions on alcohol in 2022 was another positive step that those on the front line welcomed.Restrictions included limits on the volume of takeaway alcohol as well as an ID scan process to ensure those limits were followed.However, Alinda Hogg, the project coordinator at Stepping Stones – an Aboriginal drug and alcohol service provider – said the problem had shifted over the past two years as methamphetamine use increased.Alinda Hogg, project coordinator at Stepping Stones, an Aboriginal drug and alcohol service provider. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)She said a colleague told her a client was using methamphetamine as ID was not needed to purchase the substance.In April this year Port Augusta Council issued a public safety notice, warning residents about the uptick in discarded needles.Both Ms Hogg and Aunty Linda Dare said methamphetamine was fuelling more crime than alcohol now.Danger of rhetoric stoking racismEli Partridge and Christian Khan, two Indigenous youth advocates, have warned that rhetoric regarding spikes in "crime", "substance abuse" or "anti-social behaviour" can turn into an attack on "young Aboriginal men".The two 19-year-olds are both part of the Davenport Community Alliance, which was set up in late 2024.Both say they have lived experience of being profiled, and that it has had a devastating impact on young men.Youth advocates Eli Partridge and Christian Khan, both 19, have felt racially profiled. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)Mr Partridge says at times he's wished that his skin was lighter.Mr Khan expressed a similar experience of feeling "ashamed of just walking around".The pair say there was no easy answer, but praised initiatives like Mangrove Court — particularly as the program involves supporting the family units of young offenders."Sit with them, find out why they're doing these things, how we can remove them from that place," Mr Khan said.History of programs in Pt AugustaIt's not the first attempt to address longstanding issues in Port Augusta.In 2020 the Port Augusta City Safe Program was axed with the then-council stating that it was not core council business.The program had run for 11 years, using security officers and a K9 unit to help reduce crime and violence.Ms Hogg said it was effective at diffusing situations without needing police.Heavy restrictions were put on alcohol in Port Augusta in 2022. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)"They'd come in and calm things down … [people] didn't feel as threatened … it's not as confrontational with them," she said. "It was pretty sad to see them go."Aunty Linda Dare expressed similar sentiments and said there was an immediate increase in violence once the program was discontinued."The K9 guy, he was brilliant and I've got to give it to him," she said."He actually stopped a lot of fights."Both elders say measures to address Port Augusta's level of crime need to have measurable KPIs that can be easily reviewed.Aboriginal elders and those on the front line say violence and crime is on the rise in Port Augusta. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)In 2021 the Port Augusta Responsible Communities (PARC) was established replacing the City Safe Program.That too lost the support of council before a government changeover in 2022 saw its end.In 2024 $12 million was allocated for three years, from both the state and federal governments to form the Port Augusta and Davenport Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.There has been little detail released as to how the taskforce will function, with representatives from several government departments, the local member and council meeting on Friday to discuss next steps.Davenport's overgrown sporting field which used to be a place of connection and community. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)The taskforce is designed to complement the work that has already been launched by the state and federal government's Wellbeing Plan.This includes Mangrove Court, which began in March to address the causes of youth offending.Breaking down barriersLooking over the derelict buildings and overgrown sporting grounds of the long-defunct training grounds in Davenport fills Tiger McKenzie with deep sadness. He fondly remembers how the facility and adjoining football and cricket pitch allowed Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to mingle and connect.The former training centre and sporting grounds at Davenport have fallen into disrepair since their closure. (ABC News: Stephen Opie)"They engage … those non-Aboriginal people engage with Aboriginal people to understand Aboriginal people," he said."Then they become mates."Before its closure roughly 15-20 years ago, Mr McKenzie said it was a great meeting place, with teams travelling from Roxby Downs, Leigh Creek and Copley to play sport and socialise.On nearby dunes people would "light a fire and cook kangaroo".