Northern Territory Police and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC) have supported over 30 people return to their homes in Wadeye as part of Operation Tarn.
Operation Tarn commenced on 24 October with the aim to reduce vulnerability of community members from Wadeye who are sleeping rough or in overcrowded public housing in Darwin as a result of displacement from Wadeye earlier this year due to unrest in the community.
Operation Tarn also seeks to reduce antisocial and criminal behaviours of a small cohort of people from the Wadeye community in Darwin, as well as improving community safety in Wadeye.
As part of the operation, police have been conducting regular roadside checks, searching every vehicle travelling to Wadeye for alcohol and other drugs. Complementing the roadside searches, police have been screening passengers and freight on flights to the Wadeye community. These activities have significantly reduced alcohol and other drugs entering the community resulting in reduced personal violence and improved amenity in Wadeye.
As community safety increases, and previously damaged houses are repaired and ready for habitation, it has been important to return people home. This week, Operation Tarn members worked with six traditional owners from Wadeye, City of Darwin Outreach workers, and Larrakia Nation Night Patrol staff engaging with Wadeye community members in public places and public housing, offering a return to Country.
Superintendent Daniel Shean said “A Return to Country Action Plan resulted in 30 people returning home on Thursday with more returning home today.
“Operation Tarn members have worked with Wadeye Traditional Owners who came to Darwin with the support of the Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC), Larrakia Nation night patrol and City of Darwin Outreach workers to achieve this outcome.
“At this stage there’s over a week of Operation Tarn remaining but it’s been a valuable exercise to see how well we can work with other stakeholders and community elders when everyone is committed to supported our community, whether the residents are in an urban area or living remotely.”
