FITZROY CROSSING NIGHT PLACE CUTS YOUTH CRIME
Patrick Green, Peter Murray, Mark Howes, Rochelle Dolby, Divina D'Anna MP, and Jane Biendury at the opening of the Night Place in early September. Image: Marra Worra Worra.
BY ASAD KHAN
A community-led youth program in Fitzroy Crossing is being credited with a significant drop in youth crime, while also providing a safe and welcoming space for young people after dark.
The Night Place, launched in September 2024 by the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, operates nightly in the Kimberley town.
It offers food, first aid, structured activities and transport home — all aimed at keeping young people off the streets and out of trouble.
Rochelle Dolby, Youth Connection Programs Manager at Marra Worra Worra, said the program is making a clear difference.
“Some of the kids that engage in those behaviours are now in the night space,” Ms Dolby told Ngaarda Media.
“We’re able to talk with them, build relationships, and let them know we’re here every night to support them and help them with anything they’d like to do.”
Young people share a meal at The Night Place in Fitzroy Crossing. Image: Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation.
Popular activities at the centre include basketball and Uno, alongside more structured workshops on cooking, substance use and legal awareness.
The initiative is not only keeping kids safe it's also opening up employment pathways.
Nicola Angell, Manager for Community Programs at Marra Worra Worra, said they are about to launch a night-time employment program.
“We’re sending some of our young people up to the Fitzroy River Lodge to gain work readiness skills and experience employment for the first time,” Ms Angell said.
“We’re also exploring the idea of a youth hostel here in Fitzroy Crossing, to support young people in staying engaged with education.”
The program continues to run each night, grounded in community leadership and driven by the needs of local youth.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Rochelle Dolby and Nicola Angell: