Community holding offenders accountable drops crime
Uncle Matty’s community once had the highest crime rates in the Northern Territory. Through collective action with local elders, they achieved a remarkable 95% reduction in crime…
Motivated by high rates of offending and reoffending, Matty and the community took responsibility to prevent crime and support individuals to be held accountable to their community for their actions, instead of being sent away to Darwin to face incarceration.
The tight-knit community of Groote Eylandt, home to approximately 2200 people, established the Groote Eylandt Law and Justice Group in 2020 to resolve disputes internally and since then have seen a drastic reduction in crime.
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In staggering results for community safety youth crimes against property or person fell from 346 in 2018/19 to 17 in 2021/22. The number of burglaries has fallen from 81 to just two.
This wasn’t just about reducing crime, it was about bringing the community together for a stronger, safer future.
“We didn’t want to see our loved ones going in and out of prison all the time. We want to work with the people and help them to not re-offending again” he said.
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Brother to Another gives young men choices beyond the cycle of offending
Time behind bars at a young age is a serious risk factor for life-long reoffending. Australia locks up Indigenous youth at 29 times the rate of non-Indigenous youth.
In the Territory, around 97 per cent of incarcerated youths are Aboriginal, and around half are being held on remand, meaning they have not been convicted of or sentenced for any crime.
Brother to Another is about getting to the root causes of offending behaviour and giving kids the tools to make better choices.
It's about giving young people the power to make their own choices is the first step to helping them make better choices.
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Breaking the cycle of violence is at the heart of the Kunga Stopping Violence Program, which supports women incarcerated in the Alice Springs Correctional Centre.
It’s about getting the right help from the moment someone is imprisoned and ensuring they continue to be supported after they are released so they can get back on track and stay there – for good.
Robbed publican's common sense justice
Jason, owner of Goldfields Hotel Motel in Tennant Creek, found himself facing a challenging situation when a young girl attempted to steal a bottle of rum from his establishment.
The incident led to police involvement and the girl's arrest. However, what followed wasn't just about punishment, but about finding a path to redemption and growth.
Go directly to gym
By the age of 13 Jason was a regular in the local court, charged with stealing cars, breaking into homes and assaulting people.
The threat of jail never deterred him, but when a local boxing coach encouraged him into the ring Jason found another way to live, and boxing became the only consistent positive in his life.
A sensible alternative to custody
Like many others, incarceration did not provide Julie with any tools for change. But she was determined: “I want to change, you know.”
The Alternative to Custody program supports positive change, providing the practical tools for a better life that are missing from the prison system.
The community’s unconventional methods included collaboration with police, elders, and the wider community to provide engaging programs and activities for youth.
This holistic approach, supported by the Justice Group, aimed to understand young people’s needs and develop tailored plans to guide people away from the justice system and the revolving door of incarceration.
Keeping young people connected to their culture and country, offering activities like bush fruits gathering and fishing, has contributed significantly to reducing crime rates.
Matty emphasised the importance of community-wide support and care for young people, ensuring they remain connected to their land and culture.
“We’re committed to keeping our youth safe and on country,” he said.
At the beginning of 2024, the Anindilyakwa Land Council with the Law and Justice Group opened the first-of-its-kind Healing Centre Facility— an on-country alternative to custody facility.
We didn’t want to see our loved ones going in and out of prison all the time. We want to work with the people and help them to not re-offending again
Matty, chairperson of Groote Eylandt Law and Justice Group
Located in the bush, the centre plays a vital role in rehabilitation, providing a space where offenders are held accountable for their actions while they also connect with the land and feel the presence of their ancestors.
“When you go out bush, respect the land, and you can feel it, you know, someone’s watching you. We’re teaching them that you got to always respect your land, especially respect the community and the people” said Matty.
Reflecting on the cultural significance, Matty concluded that respecting the land and community is crucial for growth. It’s a belief passed down by elders, as a reminder that our environment holds healing powers.
This approach, rooted in community values and cultural respect, continues to guide Groote Eylandt towards a safer and more supportive future for its residents.
We’re teaching them that you got to always respect your land, especially respect the community and the people.
Matty, chairperson of Groote Eylandt Law and Justice Group