The Derby Youth Night Patrol, run by the Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation, significantly impacts the lives of young people in Derby, WA.

Led by CEO Ben Burton, a Wongatha man, the program was launched nearly five years ago to address youth crime and safety concerns. Today, it provides vital support to hundreds of young people each week.

The idea for the Derby Youth Night Patrol emerged from extensive community consultations, driven by rising concerns over youth crime and a surge in social media outcry.

The mission was clear: to ensure the safety of young people and provide them with secure spaces to stay off the streets.

Over time, the service evolved to include emergency food relief and crisis intervention.

"What began as a service to pick up kids off the streets has grown into something far more meaningful," Mr Burton said.

"Today, kids flag down our bus not just for a lift but also to ask for help—whether they're in danger, hungry, or need someone to talk to."

Supported by the Department of Justice and the state government, the patrol employs five local Aboriginal staff members.

These team members play a pivotal role in building trust with the young people and the community.

"Our staff are all local Aboriginal people, and that's been part of our strategy," Mr Burton said.

"They're connected with the families and kids, they understand family dynamics, and they know where it's safe to take young people.

"Without this knowledge, engagement would be nearly impossible."

Each week, the patrol engages with 500 to 700 young people, ensuring they are transported home or to safe locations while also providing food and emotional support.

This proactive approach has contributed to a 10-15 per cent reduction in youth crime and improved trust across the community.

By aligning with evening sports activities such as basketball, the patrol ensures kids head home quickly after events, reducing opportunities for antisocial behaviour.

"We've been able to get kids home quickly after a night of running around playing basketball," Mr Burton said.

"They're going home with something to eat, and it's changing behaviour for the better."

Beyond supporting young people, the patrol has had a ripple effect on the wider Derby community.

It has strengthened relationships between the Aboriginal community and local authorities, including WA Police, creating a united approach to addressing youth safety and crime.

The patrol also challenges stereotypes surrounding Aboriginal youth, fostering understanding and reducing stigma.

Despite its success, the program faces ongoing challenges, particularly the need for crisis accommodation for young people who cannot return home.

"There are many occasions where our staff will have kids sitting on [the] lounge until three o'clock in the morning because they can't find anywhere safe for the kids to go," Mr Burton said.

"We need a dedicated crisis accommodation where they can sleep safely, eat, and speak with someone who can help…If they're on the streets at two or three o'clock in the morning, it's generally not because they want to be.

"It's generally because there's something going on at home, they're distressed, they're upset, or home's not safe."

The patrol continues to advocate for government support to establish safe spaces and expand its services, including foot patrols and deeper engagement with families to address underlying issues.

The Derby Youth Night Patrol is determined to continue expanding its services and advocating for better outcomes for the community's young people.

"Our kids are our future," Mr Burton said.

"This program is about making sure they're safe, supported, and given the opportunities they deserve."