An Aboriginal led and run youth program has been delivering extraordinary results in Fitzroy Crossing for two years and could serve as a model to communities across the country.
The Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation's 'Night Space' offers activities, games, support, conversations and a cooked meal in the remote Kimberley town.
Marra Worra Worra (MWWAC) notes that before the Night Space opened in Fitzroy Crossing in early September, 2024, there was "a large number of street present, disengaged young people, high number of stolen vehicles, wide-spread anti-social behaviour by youth, fear in community".
In the two years since there has been a remarkable decrease in crime in the town, with WA Police data showing a 50 per cent fall. MWWAC said the change is particularly evident in the decrease in stolen cars which are almost exclusively stolen by youth.
The genesis of the Night Space came from young people telling the MWWAC Night Patrol staff they wanted somewhere to go at night where they could be safe and engage with their friends.
MWWAC created the model which is community led and driven, trauma informed and not punitive, and a consistent seven nights a week service. The MWW Night Space is "a place to connect and belong".
"We opened our doors on the 2nd September, 2024 and the kids have come in droves. At the 31st July 2026 we have engaged with 952 young people, had 30,312 individual interactions and served over 55,000 meals. On our busiest nights 100 young people come through the service. In the last 10 weeks our average per night is 70 plus," organisers told National Indigenous Times.
MWWAC said the strengths of the Night Space are that it meets basic needs, provides a calm and relaxing environment, promotes connection, belonging and respectful relationships, provides recreational activities, and has 50 per cent local Indigenous workforce.
The service is funded by MWWAC and the WA Justice Department's Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy, and is also supported by the Leedal Group, an Indigenous business which provides $2000 worth of food every week.
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation Head of Community Programs, Nicola Angell, told National Indigenous Times the Night Space "has become the heart of our community and a model of best practice in youth connection and engagement across Australia".
"I think every town should have one," she said.
"The Night Space has become much more than an immediate response service and a safe place for kids to go at night. We are changing children's lives, one child at a time.
"We are incredibly proud of what we have built so far and can't wait to celebrate our second anniversary and this important milestone with our kids, community and stakeholders."
September 2 marks two years of the Night Space.
Marra Worra Worra is building for the future, with a $3 million upgrade to facilities funded by the WA Government and completed next month in time for the second anniversary celebrations, "creating partnerships and collaborations in health, the arts and fashion to build the capacity and capability of our young people", the organisation said.
