Antisocial behaviour at John Macmillan Park

The Town is aware of persistent challenges experienced in the John Macmillan precinct in East Victoria Park with respect to antisocial behaviour.

These challenges are broad and multi-faceted; and deserving of a similarly broad approach, beyond the Town’s scope alone, to finding a solution.

In acknowledgement of this fact, the Town meets regularly with a variety of local stakeholders, including representatives from WA Police, specialised outreach services, Hawaiian’s Park Centre and the Department of Communities to facilitate a collective response, which has included:

• Increased Police presence and response, including targeted operations and mounted patrols in the precinct.
• Regular engagement between outreach services and individuals in the park aimed at identifying those who need support and referring to the Department of Communities where appropriate.
• Trials of increased CCTV and lighting in the park.
• Monitoring of – and pre-emptive Police and outreach responses to – public drinking.
• Increased security measures at shopping center and liquor store.
• Daily weekday clean-ups of the area by Town Staff and external specialist contractors, as well as weekend cleaning where required.
• Daily weekday visits to the park from Rangers and Operations staff.
• Security presence at the Victoria Park Library adjoining the park.
• Removal of the park booking fee to facilitate more community activation of the precinct.
• Town event held in the park to engage face-to-face with the community.

Community survey

In addition to in-person and over-the-phone conversations with the community, in mid-2023 the Town conducted a survey to gather local insight.

Respondents detailed their experiences living in the precinct, which helped to paint a picture of the impact antisocial behaviour was having on the local community and the general amenity of the area, and helped define focus areas for staff going forward.

Why reach out again now?

With a year now passed since the last survey, we'd like to know how things might have changed for residents, and if there are new areas where we should be applying our focus as we continue to strive for a safer and more appealing John Macmillan Precinct.

The brief 5-minute survey is available to take below.