Praise for Newman liquor policy

An alcohol sales policy designed by Martu elders and bottle shops in Newman has transformed the town centre, according to local businesses and police.

The agreement, which has seen Martu people turned away from bottle shops in Newman after 5pm, was signed two months ago between Celebrations licensee Anita Grace and Martu elders, including Clive Samson and Michelle Jackson, in a bid to stop alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour in the CBD.

Ms Grace said it was early days, but the positive effects of the policy were being felt across the community.

“Five o’clock is a different world here now — it’s astonishing,” she said.

“People aren’t hanging around sitting to all hours of the morning drinking on the road ... Woolworths has noticed a big decrease in anti-social behaviour in the evenings ... and the ambulance has told me after 9pm there’s been a dramatic decrease in jobs.

“You might get one or two cause problems when we refuse service, but when you explain it’s at the elders’ request, there are no problems whatsoever.

“The agreement ... it has empowered the elders and has given them faith that people are listening to them, which is a really positive outcome.

“They are a very important part of the community and given the opportunity they will work well with the town to try to get a positive outcome for the whole Martu family.”

Ms Grace said the liquor policy had not only been embraced by the Newman community but had attracted interest from elders and bottle shops in other towns who want to work together to tackle alcoholism and anti-social behaviour.

“We had a liquor accord this morning and the three outlets in town have all said how good it is,” she said.

“The Capricorn Roadhouse, which is in the Meekathara Shire ... they want to come on board as well, which is fantastic because that will mean that people can’t just drive up the road to get alcohol out of town.

“I had a call from someone in Derby asking if it would work in their community ... so I am really hoping other towns will take the initiative and jump on board with this idea.”

Newman police acting Senior Sergeant Grant Berry congratulated the community for taking ownership of the alcohol problem and working together to bring about positive change.

“It has been a great initiative that has came from a grass-roots level and it has been a pleasure to see the community and businesses come together to see if they can make a difference,” he said.

“We’ve definitely noticed a reduction in alcohol-related violence and a change around the CBD with anti-social behaviour ... it’s something other communities elsewhere in the North West could certainly consider.

“But ultimately it’s the elders who need to drive it and enforce it, working with the community and the liquor establishments who form the liquor accord.

“I take my hat off to this initiative, it’s about communities taking ownership and seeing what changes they can make to bring about positive change ... and from a police perspective it has certainly had a noticeable effect.”