COMMUNITIES can often gauge the status of their well-being by activities happening on the ground. Moree is among them, with its raft of services, schools, businesses, sporting clubs and groups who provide the district residents solutions to problems.
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Those problems might be the best place to buy a replacement tap for the kitchen or a great meal out for a first date. Some may seek a bed for the night, or hot meal on a cold morning.
Children are educated, and adults are seeking a chance at further training. A day on the paddock, time in the pool or tennis court can release the tension built up form a week of hard slog, and a morning bent to the task of an intricate piece of needlework among friends can do the same.
And there are some residents at risk. Some seek help with legal advice, counselling, shelter from violence or homelessness.
Recently, Moree drivers may have felt on edge with a spate of rock-throwing incidents in the community. It is not the first time, but historical precedent does not condone the activity. It is entirely reasonable to feel apprehensive, since a rock thrown might case more than a bust-up in the bypass, but a shattered windscreen could cost a motorist their life.
As a community, when actions like these are occurring, the natural and entirely reasonable reaction is, “How can we stop this activity?” Those who are in social services will also ask, “Why is this happening?” which may be the best place to start.
Many of the Champion readers will have seen Monday night’s chilling look into how children with behavioural issues were handled in juvenile facilities in the Northern Territory on the ABC program, 4 Corners.
Most of us would have watched in disbelief at the inhumanity, despite the reason why those young people were detained, said to ourselves or those around us, “These are children. How can this happen in Australia – or anywhere?”
It would be fair to say juveniles are behind the rock-throwing in Moree, and in this case, can we as a strong, caring community talk to our leaders and our families and before we throw the first rock of blame ourselves?
Can we be there for our kids who are at risk, or in trouble, or without a place to go and give them purpose and support? We know Moree has the services are in place, but for some of these youth, the pieces have yet to fit together. As adults, we can lead the way.
Michèle Jedlicka
Backing our staff to give communities the best, most relevant news delivery possible.
Backing our staff to give communities the best, most relevant news delivery possible.
