Broome evaluation finds crime fell as Kimberley youth hubs mark milestone
Broome and Fitzroy Crossing have marked two years of youth night services, while Kununurra plans a permanent facility.
An independent assessment of Broome's youth night hub has recorded a significant drop in crime in three suburbs over its initial 13 months. The findings come as youth centres in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing mark two years of operation.
The Broome service, Ngurra Buru, started as a pilot in 2024 amid concern about children spending nights on local streets. It has logged about 9,900 interactions with young people, operating between 10pm and 5am.
Researchers from the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Research Alliance and the University of Melbourne led the assessment. Each of the 20 participants who responded said the hub offered safety, food, transport and somebody they could speak with.
Manager Fiona Hart said collaboration between authorities and the community had driven the crime reduction. She said ongoing funding would allow the service to expand from five nights each week to nightly operations.
In Fitzroy Crossing, more than 950 children have visited the centre established by Marra Warra Warra Aboriginal Corporation in 2024 following appeals from at-risk young people and families. Staff have provided over 55,000 meals. Senior Sergeant Mark Howes, the town's police officer in charge, said youth offending was lower and the hub had helped police build trust with children.
Kununurra began offering a temporary night space in August, with a permanent facility planned for the year's end. WA Children's Court president Hylton Quail said in September he hoped Kununurra would see a similar improvement.
