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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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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
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