Big thanks to our Night Patrol team

Members of the Gunbalanya Night Patrol receive certificates for doing an outstanding job in their community. LEFT TO RIGHT: Regina Wurrkidj,Marietta Nayinggul,Josie Balmana,WARC Council Services Manager Chrissie Nichols, WARC Community Safety Coordinator Greg Sheldon, Ethan Nabulwald, Darius Marlngurra,WARC Cultural Advisor Andy Garnarradj, Kelvin Bulliwanaand Elijah Namundja.

THE Gunbalanya Night Patrol is a close-knit team of locals who have the safety of their community at heart. The team is often first on the scene to deal with safety issues such as drunken misbehaviour, locating missing persons, picking up community members who are out late, including children, and taking people to a place of safety when required. They also supervise discos and football games. Their community-focused work aims to ensure the safety and harmony of Gunbalanya.

While their good work all too often goes unrecognised, this was not the case on Friday 20 March, when the team members were presented with certificates of appreciation for the great work they do in Gunbalanya. West Arnhem Regional Council Community Safety Coordinator Greg Sheldon said the Gunbalanya Night Patrol team was well-respected in their community.

“The community always give their cooperation, working and helping the Night Patrol team,” Mr Sheldon said. “They are also working closely with the police, clinic, school and other service providers.”

He said Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion had praised the team for doing an excellent job when he visited the Gunbalanya community in January this year.

“We have had several missing persons where our team went looking for them and found them, whether it’s in the early hours of the morning or out late in the evening,” Mr Sheldon said. “We salute you and say thanks for a job well done. Together we can achieve much more. Thanks.