Moree’s youth crime problem has resulted in violent attacks, locals believe compassion is the key to change – Mekayla Cochrane speaks to ABC 730 about Moree youth crime

‘Incarceration a failed method’

Mekayla Cochrane, Gomeroi woman and councillor with Moree Plains Shire, says one of the big issues in Moree is a lack of diversions for Indigenous children.

She grew up in south Moree.

“There was so much more infrastructure and parks down this end of town and we sit here today with paddocks and dead grass,” Ms Cochrane says.

“What can services and government be doing to provide better opportunities?

“I feel like we’re letting young people and their families down.”

She says harsher penalties won’t solve the underlying issues.

“It’s always punishment and consequences and it’s proven not to be the approach to be taken,” she says.

“It needs to be more support around families — that wraparound, that holistic support — not just for the young person, it’s their family and the community that we all live in.”

Original article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-25/moree-youth-crime-compassion-not-jail-the-answer/103630468