FIRST NATIONS LED MARTU PATROL KEEPING FIRST NATIONS-LED MARTU PATROL KEEPING NIYAPARLI COUNTRY YOUTH SAFE

Arina Aoina, Chief Executive of Newman Women’s Shelter PC: Asad Khan

BY ASAD KHAN

The First Nations-led Martu Patrol outreach initiative in the Western Australian city of Newman, about 1280km from Perth, has provided much-needed support to at-risk Indigenous Martu youth after hours.

The Martu Patrol patrols the streets of Newman every night, picking up young people who are out late and giving them a hot meal, water, and a ride to a safe place for the night.

The Martu patrol, funded by BHP, commenced in June 2021 in response to an increase in antisocial behaviour and crime in Newman.

The Program is the product of collaboration with Martu leaders, the Newman Women’s Shelter,   Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, WA Police and the Newman Feedback Group to work together in new ways to keep young Martu people safe. 

The Newman Women’s Shelter has been the lead agency of Martu Patrol since its initial 12-month pilot in June 2021.

Following the success of the pilot program, further funding was secured from BHP through to June 2023.

Arina Aoina, Chief Executive of Newman Women’s Shelter, said their service is essential.

“Martu Patrol is actually a lot of people who come together who are really concerned about their youth and the young children on the streets. And also how we could address some of the needs in terms of food and security and keeping and ensuring that the children have a safe place to go,”

“I think the most important thing is that being able to work together as a whole community and bring all the different sectors not just the mining,” she said.

She said  Newman is unique and has amazing, resilient people in this community.

“Martu Patrol is an example of how you know everyone can work together to make things happen,”