Hundreds of frustrated residents are expected at a rally over youth crime in Townsville on Saturday, with police also attending as the voices of victims take centre stage.
Townsville Rally Against Crime organiser Clynton Hawks says he’s expecting a crowd of 300-500 people to attend the event on Saturday.
He said multiple victims of crime will be speaking at the event being held at the corner of Dalrymple Rd and Woolcock St at 9am.
Mr Hawks, a former candidate for Katter’s Australian Party, said while there had been some concerns stolen cars could possibly target the event he felt assured that everything would run smoothly with police in attendance.
“My phone’s been ringing flat out with people telling me their crime horror stories,” he said.
“People being bashed and broken into. It’s terrifying.”
Acting Inspector Dean Cavanagh. Picture: Matt Taylor
Townsville Police Acting Superintendent Dean Cavanagh senior police will be liaising directly with the organisers of Saturday’s anti-crime rally.
“Community safety is paramount to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and plans have been implemented with this in mind, to ensure the safety of all involved,” he said.
“We are not expecting any issues to arise, as observed from similar previous events.
“Officers and the Townsville community have a long standing and successful history of working together to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind attendees to participate safely, and with consideration of other community members.”
Mr Hawks said Queensland’s newly appointed Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer had sent her apologies that she won’t be able to attend the rally.
Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer sent her apologies that she won’t be able to attend the rally. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
The minister said a scheduling conflict with a prior commitment prevented her from attending.
“Unfortunately I already had previous commitments in my electorate so I am unable to attend the public event organised by Clynton Hawks so I made it a priority to meet with him during my visit to Townsville last week,” she said.
“The meeting was positive and I appreciated Clynton taking the time to talk with me about his experiences.
“I advised Clynton that all early intervention programs are now being audited to see what is working, and if anything isn’t working then we will change it.”
Mr Hawks said of the meeting: “Some of it was constructive … she said they would be holding a review of all the early intervention programs to see what was and wasn’t working.”
He said Townsville mayor Jenny Hill, Burdekin MP Dale Last, Kennedy MP Bob Katter and LNP candidate for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said they will be attending.
People attending the rally are being asked to park along Hartley St.
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