Northern Territory Police have responded to several large disturbances in the remote community of Wadeye over the past month.
Since the 2 December 2023, police have received multiple reports of disturbances including large scale community fighting, domestic violence and the illegal supply of drugs and alcohol into the community.
On 18 December 2023, a 35-year-old man was struck in the arm with an arrow during one such disturbance. A 25-year-old man has appeared before Darwin Local Court yesterday in relation to that offending, charged with:
• Recklessly endangering life
• Aggravated assault – weapon/defenceless/harm
• Go armed in public
There have been multiple disturbances since, and 4 males are currently receiving treatment at the local clinic for non-life-threatening injuries.
Additional police resources are currently within the community, deployed from the surrounding areas and Darwin.
Commander Brendan Muldoon said “Northern Territory Police are working with local government departments, agency stakeholders, Elders and Traditional Owners to bring about an end to this unacceptable behaviour.
“Deep rooted familial conflicts and the supply of alcohol and illicit substances are fuelling the violence we have been responding to and steps are being taken to resolve these issues.
“The majority of residents within the community want to live in peace and we thank them for their continued support of the frontline workers. Police will continue to investigate and hold those involved in these disturbances to account.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can also make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
