JANUARY 24, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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Summer Slam ban call By Charlene Macaulay The South Sudanese Australian Summer Slam is unlikely to return to Wyndham this year, with Wyndham council calling on its organisers to find a new venue for the event. In a statement posted to Facebook last week, Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said many residents had contacted the council with safety concerns stemming from the recent basketball tournament, which was held at Eagle Stadium between December 17 and 19. The Summer Slam was linked to the trashing of a rented Airbnb house in Werribee on December 20, with four girls from Dandenong renting out the Attunga Grove property so they could attend the event.
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Our youth services team will also be increasing our - Peter Maynard outreach work
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“Whilst council is not responsible for policing and the resourcing of crime prevention and enforcement generally, council has considered the role we can play in response to these concerns,” Cr Maynard’s statement read. “In light of the complaints about the antisocial behaviour that occurred in areas surrounding Eagle Stadium following the basketball tournament, we will be meeting with the operator of the Stadium, Victoria Police, Basketball Victoria and tournament organisers to suggest that this tournament not be held at the venue in the future. “This is a disappointing outcome as the event provides a positive experience for members of our South Sudanese community however the conduct of persons not necessarily connected with the tournament have prompted this response. “Importantly our youth services team will also be increasing our outreach work to provide support to at-risk young people in our community. Council will also continue to work with local police and the state government to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to community safety.” The decision sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with many residents taking to the Star Weekly Facebook page last week to praise or condemn the move. Lee-Ann wrote that it was “about time an organisation stood up for the community” and Len concurred, writing: “It is the right decision. Any group causing repeated issues need dealing with”.
Top: Mayor Peter Maynard; Eagle Stadium. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) Inset: Peter Maynard’s Facebook post. Above: The Summer Slam was linked to the trashing of this rented Airbnb house in Werribee. (Pictures: AAP Image/Caroline Schelle)
On the flip side, Josh wrote: “So instead of holding an event that could possibly strengthen the bonds of our shared community, the council has chosen to vilify the South Sudanese? Welcome to Werribee, where it’s always 1965.”
A spokesman for Victoria Police said the Basketball Association, which runs the force was “aware of the council’s position and Summer Slam tournament, did not respond to will meet with all stakeholders to discuss the Star Weekly’s request for comment. concerns”. The South Sudanese Australian National ■ More reports, pages 14-15.