After the last couple of weeks worrying about the safety of my daughter Kaydes and myself. I’ve decided we’re moving from Alice Springs. The youth crime and alcohol violence in the town has reached new levels and just become untenable, and just too much for us to handle. Due to not feeling safe in town – or at home – the constant crime scares are making it increasingly clear that it is no longer safe for us to stay here.
What’s going on in Alice Springs?
It’s no secret that Alice Springs is in crisis mode, with the constant youth crime and alcohol-fuelled violence. Whether it be rocks being thrown at cars, windows shattered daily, or a machete wielder threatening Woolworth’s shoppers, it’s becoming more and more unsafe to be in. And those listed above are just a small selection of what is going on most days.
The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, flew in and out fast yesterday, and banned alcohol purchases on Mondays and Tuesdays, and a couple of other small restrictions. There are more initiatives being considered by the prime minister to help address young people and their involvement in crime and violence. But it remains to be seen whether the alcohol restrictions will actually make a difference at all.
How do we personally experience it?
As I type this, my daughter is sleeping mostly soundly beside me as its 10.30pm. I have her sleep in my Queen bed, as I hear yelling across the street near the hospital. It sounds like 20 people, but it’s probably only 5. It’s a common occurrence, and I’ll be lucky if they finish yelling by midnight, and don’t wake up Kaydes. I can hear them over the AC, and over my earphones quietly playing Lucifer on Netflix. Naughtily I might add, he would be handy right now to dole out some consequences!
Add in the almost hourly flashing lights shining in through my curtain cracks, it doesn’t make it easy for me to go to sleep, and I’m often awake until the early hours.
There are daily break ins to homes and businesses, including one into my neighbours place the other night. And that’s just one that I know of in our complex recently. They got in through her window, and she woke up with them in her bedroom. I’m not sure of the details after that, but gosh I’m scared of that ever happening to us.
What are our plans?
Kaydes and I are moving from Alice Springs. This has not been an easy decision. As a single parent, I carry obvious immense responsibility to not only provide for us both, but also to keep us safe. At the start of January, I had my annual leave approved for 2.5 weeks in February, and I booked flights to and from NZ. So we are still going, but just extending our stay for another couple of weeks most likely, but also possibly longer.
Then we are moving to Adelaide, where I hope to continue working for People’s Choice. Who by the way, are just amazing. I’ve been in so much mental anguish over having to tell my wonderful boss, that I’ll be finishing up shortly. I thought I would be living in Alice Springs for another couple of years, and never imagined I would be leaving so abruptly. She was incredibly understanding and supportive of the move, which really helped me. But I feel terrible for leaving an already small team. HQ have also been amazing, going above and beyond normal protocols, and setting in new safety measures. One such as a constant security guard in branch for the next month, and possibly longer.
Until then..
We’re here for a little less than two weeks, so I’m trying to still enjoy the remaining good bits in Alice Springs. It’s like a final bucket list, as I’m not sure if I’ll ever be back. It has a sense of finality about it. I’ve got friends to see again, one more line dancing session, a couple more walks around Olive Pink, a Desert Park visit, a telegraph station walk, and I’m hoping a Jessie Gap outing or further afield.
I am also going to be listing things on marketplace for sale, sorting stuff to donate, and starting to pack (again!).
I will truly miss the geography of the area, and it breaks my heart to leave my friends and work. But when it comes down to it, safety is paramount.
While change brings its own challenges, it’ll be worth it so Kaydes continues to grow up in a safe and secure environment. Adelaide will also be great for Kaydes’ neutropenia care, as one of her specialists is there. Wish us luck for our big move!
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
