A collaborative effort to preventing prohibited substances entering Aurukun has resulted in the remote township celebrating zero drug- and alcohol-led disturbances over the festive season for the first time in five years. Photo: Aurukun Shire Council.
Aurukun is celebrating one of the quietest and harmonious holiday periods on record after local police efforts to keep drugs and alcohol out of the community.
Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Keri Tamwoy commended police for their commitment to community safety.
“For the first time in five years, there were no public orders issued by police over the holiday period from [23-31] December for infringements such as street fights, weapons offences, obstructing police or being a public nuisance,” Mayor Tamwoy said.
“I congratulate the police on their vigilance in preventing alcohol and cannabis from entering our community, which is subject to an Alcohol Management Plan (AMP).
“This was instrumental in maintaining peace during the festive season, helping to steer Aurukun towards a more secure and harmonious future.”
AMPs operate in remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland to reduce alcohol-related violence and harm, especially against women and children, with alcohol being either restricted or banned in both public and private spaces.
Aurukun Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Amit Singh said local police officers in collaboration with their colleagues in Weipa to conduct surveillance at licensed venues [in Weipa] and undertake AMP patrols to secure defences against illicit substance entry.
“This collaborative effort with Weipa police officers bolstered enforcement, aided by coordinated AMP patrols intercepting smuggled substances via boats,” he explained.
“Aurukun police’s strategic coordination led to successful offender apprehensions and boat confiscations.”
Senior Sergeant Singh said police also worked with the community to gather intelligence, which played a “vital role” in the success of the keeping drugs and alcohol out of Aurukun.
“Aurukun police’s overarching Operation Aak Min (Safe Place) is producing results,” he said.
“By staunchly addressing the root cause of potential unrest, Aurukun station officers have exemplified their commitment to ensuring a safer and more tranquil environment for the community.”
