The power of community has been on show in the Kimberley town of Fitzroy Crossing, with the celebration of a life-changing project that's keeping children safe. The Night Space, run by Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, provides a much-needed haven, bringing people together and reducing crime.
00:00As the sun sets in Fitzroy Crossing, the community here is celebrating a special birthday.
00:09We have built healthy relationships, shared stories, laughed hard, felt shame, had dinner together.
00:16One, two, three.
00:18It's been one year since the night space opened.
00:21In that time, more than 600 children have come through the doors, with staff serving up more than 20,000 meals.
00:29I like how my auntie makes some nice food and she's the chef.
00:34I like the nice place to play basketball, you know.
00:37With parts of the East Kimberley struggling amid a surge in youth crime, community members in Fitzroy Crossing say the night space has been a game changer.
00:47As a police officer, we often see the darker side of life, which is why being even a small part of something as good as the night space, it's good for the soul.
00:57There's been a significant reduction in crime since the night space has started.
01:02It's just broke the cycle.
01:04Built by the kids for the kids.
01:06The program has flourished thanks to the community.
01:09The success comes from everybody wanting to participate in making a difference for our children.
01:20Just building that relationship and bond with kids again and not being judgmental or anything, just opening the front gates and stuff and letting them come in and feeling safe.
01:34It's hoped similar programs can be rolled out across the region.
01:39Fitzroy Crossing community is showing the way.
01:43And while not all children here are frequent visitors, they've come together in a show of support.
01:49We love the most!
01:52A community-led solution to a challenging problem.
01:56Five you for four years I just need to know what nobody wants to use.
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