MARTU PATROL AND WOMEN’S SHELTER WORK TOGETHER TO PROTECT EAST PILBARA FAMILIES

BY TANGIORA HINAKI

In the remote town of Newman, a quiet but powerful collaboration is reshaping the way community support is delivered to vulnerable families and at-risk children.

Martu Patrol, a grassroots night patrol service, and the Newman Women’s Shelter (NWS) are working together to provide culturally safe care and crisis support—particularly for young people and women fleeing violence.

Martu Patrol worker Jade Tangaere, who left the mining industry after 15 years, now patrols the streets of Newman to offer meals, transport, and support to local kids.

“It’s the satisfaction—helping community instead of working for a big company that takes away from them,” he said.

Jade, who’s originally from Jigalong, says the need varies each night but the demand remains constant. In May alone, Martu Patrol supported 176 children. By mid-June, the number had already reached 127.

“We pick up meals, head out around nine o’clock, and just make our way around town,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t see any kids. Other nights, there’ll be 30.”

One of the challenges, he says, is dealing with adults who also ask for food or transport.

“We’re meant to support the youth and kids, but having to say no to adults is probably the hardest part.”

At the same time, Newman Women’s Shelter CEO Arina Aoina is expanding safe housing options for women and families—especially those with older boys who can't stay in standard crisis accommodation.

“We’ve got crisis housing, but also transitional and alternative options,” she said. “Once boys go through law, they’re considered men—and we have to maintain a culturally safe space for all the women staying with us.”

To meet the need in remote communities like Punmu, the shelter has secured a fully fenced caravan to provide safe, short-term accommodation for women.

“It’s temporary, but it’s something,” Aoina said. “A small thing, but a big gesture. We’re trying to respond to what’s happening in communities.”

She credits partnerships and corporate support, including BHP, for helping the shelter deliver more services.

Aoina , who has strong ties to Bidyadanga, is also celebrating the success of First Nations women in design. She’ll soon travel to Darwin to support Karina and Nah Jadai—sisters showcasing their fashion and furniture at a major event.

When asked what message she wanted to share during NAIDOC Week, Arena didn’t hesitate.

“No trust, no gain. We need strong communication and the courage to speak honestly and meaningfully,” she said. “Supporting each other—wherever we are—adds strength.”

She added with a smile: “Newman is the place to be. East Pilbara region is where it’s at. We don’t care about the ocean—we’ve got deserts, rivers, and lakes. I absolutely love it.”

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki speak with Jade Tangaere and Arina Aoina: