A young girl who wrote a letter to the Premier pleading with her to address crime in North Queensland is still yet to get a reply. Here’s what she asked for.
Samantha’s letter said young criminals break into houses and destroy lives every night in Townsville.
“I am telling you right now, I am not safe. Children in Townsville are not safe! We are not safe in our own homes. Even with doors locked, they find their way in,” she wrote.
Samantha, who did not provide a last name, was also a student at the AstarA Dance Company that was the victim of an attack that led to much of the building being damaged by fire.
“Please tell me what you are doing to make a difference,” she asked Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The Premier has said she would respond to the girl’s letter, but so far there has been no response.
Samantha told reporters in Townsville on Friday that she understood the Premier was busy, but “you need to be able to respond to someone.”
“If you promise that you’re going to respond to them … you need to respond to them,” Samantha said.
A spokesman for Ms Palaszczuk reiterated what the Premier said in Townsville last week.
“She appreciates the time Samantha has taken to write to her,” he said.
“The letter was received a little over seven business days ago and a response will be provided shortly.”
Astars Dance Company owner Tara Howard has been left “completely shattered” after a fire was set at their studio in Currajong. Picture: Evan Morgan
Fundraiser for AstarA Dance Company
One crime-hit member of Townsville’s community has taken the steps to put a positive spin on things as they call for more action to be taken on what they see as lax laws.
AstarA Dance Company owner Tara Howard was devastated when her dance studio on Cooper Street in Currajong was burned down after an alleged incident of arson.
She lined up alongside Red Rooster franchisee Kylie Johnson and other members of the Townsville community affected by crime on Friday morning as they participated in a community crime forum near the city CBD.
Both have called for harsher laws and stricter measures to control youth crime after their businesses and livelihoods were targeted.
“It’s not just affected myself,” Ms Howard said.
“It’s also affected the children who are working to make a positive impact on our community. They’re hardworking, beautiful young children going to school, coming to their after school activities, and that’s been taken from them.”
Ms Howard will be hosting an AstarA community day this Sunday, with all proceeds from the event packed day going towards rebuilding the studio and refurnishing it with equipment.
“I’m very grateful for the support so far, but it’s also been very hard to have to accept other people’s help,” Ms Howard said.
“But I’m in need and the kids from the studio are in need at the moment and we’re very lucky that we’ve got back what we give out.”
The community day will be held at Currajong Park from 9am to midday on Sunday.
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