Shire continues funding community safety initiative Kullarri Patrol
Published on 19 November 2021
The Shire of Broome has renewed its financial support of Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation’s (MAC) Kullarri Patrol, with a new three-year funding agreement backed by Councillors at last night’s Council meeting.
Councillors unanimously endorsed an agreement to continue to provide MAC with a yearly contribution of $20,000 per annum, with the new agreement to run until June 30, 2024.
The Shire has financially supported the Kullarri Patrol service since June 2016.
Through the initiative, MAC continues to work alongside WA Police, the Shire and other service providers to tackle alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour in public places.
The Kullarri Patrol diverts Indigenous people from unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system by picking them up and taking them to a safe place.
This service plays an important role in addressing community safety in Broome and the organisation is a key stakeholder in the Shire’s Community Safety Plan 2021-25.
The Shire’s 2020 Community Perceptions Survey detailed that community safety was the number one priority of the Broome community and the Kullarri Patrol is instrumental in achieving this.
Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said Council was grateful for the work MAC does and was delighted to continue funding the essential service.
“The Shire Council would like to thank Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation for all their great work over the past 29 years and recognise Kullarri Patrol as critical in helping address the wider issue of public safety in Broome,” he said.
“The service plays a vital role in complementing police by safely redirecting intoxicated individuals to essential services or other safe places.
“Kullarri Patrol officers also correlate data on the people who use their service - this is a useful information to assist the broader public safety initiative.
“The collaboration between the Shire and Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation’s Kullarri Patrol ensures a safer community for all.”