Port Augusta's new outreach program has been operating in the community for two weeks now to combat antisocial behaviour, and it has already helped more than 60 First Nations people return to country.
The program is a coordinated response by SAPOL, SA Health, Pika Wiya Health Services, and the SA Housing Authority.
The outreach program has a street team that patrols the community and helps people return to country. It also has a roving team that transports people to a safe accommodation or to a sobering-up unit.
Police presence is also increased with a bicycle patrol.
The $1.2 million state government-funded program replaces City Safe, which was axed in 2020 and was operated by security guards and K9 units.
Creating a safe community
Jacky Costanzo is the general manager of remote service delivery for the Department of Human Services, and she said the operation was going well so far.
"We've had some good feedback from community members," Ms Costanzo said.
"Initially, we will look at some data around a reduction in some of the antisocial behaviour, and we will check if there has been an increase in the collaboration of services."
One of the key aspects of the outreach program is helping Aboriginal people return home or to a safe place if they end up homeless or stranded in Port Augusta.
"Some people in Port Augusta are from remote communities and often need support to get back home," Ms Costanzo said.
However, she said the outreach team is not there to replace the police, and that people should call triple zero if they see aggressive or violent behaviour.
"If our street team sees someone displaying dangerous behaviour that will threaten someone's safety, then they will get a police response," Ms Costanzo said.
"Intoxicated people will be transported to the sobering-up unit, and then we will work with them to see what their needs are.
"If people are not being risky, then the team would engage with them in conversation."
Marli Macumba is an Indigenous woman who works for the SA Housing Trust, and she will be helping people from remote communities to connect to services in town.
"We will talk to tenants about issues like overcrowding and help them return home," she said.
"People can get support with short-term accommodation, or we send them home until something long-term becomes available."
Cultural differences create misunderstanding
Vince Coulthard is an Adnyamathanha elder, and he said the outreach team was a good alternative to City Safe.
"At the end of the day, we've got homeless people and there's got to be a way to deal with it," he said.
"I think if people have a home to live in that's not overcrowded, then that overcomes a lot of antisocial behaviour."
Mr Coulthard said a cultural difference could be mistaken for antisocial behaviour.
"Sometimes people raise their voice, and people think that's an antisocial behaviour," he said.
"People are calling out to each other in a different language, and they're just greeting each other.
"It's just a general conversation, and that's just the way they talk," he said.
