Narcotics Control

When I first moved to Port Melb to live, I felt great to be able to walk innthe evenings/nights along the beach n parks alone without fear but nowadays I do not feel safe and avoid going out around my local areas in the evenings… which is sad not to be able to enjoy a peaceful surrounds!!!

What we’re asking for:
✅ Shut down high-risk, unmanaged encampments
✅ Expand access to rehabilitation, mental health, and housing services
✅ Keep streets, parks, car parks, and school zones safe for everyone
✅ Make service providers accountable for long-term outcomes
✅ Stop the confusion. Stop the misinformation. Start working together.
🖊️ SIGN THE PETITION
Stand Up for Safety

https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-safety-our-goal-zero-harm-prevention-is-better-than-cure

This is not a normal situation.
It is daily trauma — unfolding across the City of Port Phillip:
From Port Melbourne to Elwood, South Melbourne to St Kilda.
Most decision-makers don’t see this up close. But we do.
We live with it — and we want to see solutions, not silence.

What’s happening now:
🔴 A woman attacked in daylight near the National Theatre

🔴 A man stabbed in the head mid-morning

🔴 Men exposing themselves near schools and public spaces

🔴 Anti-social and distressing behaviour in family areas

🔴 crack pipes in laneways and playgrounds

🔴 Emergency workers leaving jobs due to unsafe conditions

🔴 Local businesses targeted, robbed, and threatened

🔴 Children forced to normalise what should never be normal

These are not isolated events.


This is an ongoing public safety and public health crisis.

We are not calling for punishment — we are calling for balance and responsibility.
Yes, help must come first. But prevention matters too.

To Council, State Government, and community leaders:
We are asking you to:
* Acknowledge the reality on our streets
* Protect the most vulnerable — inside and outside the camps
* Listen to frontline workers, health experts, and residents
* Deliver action that brings safety, not just words
This is about restoring dignity, safety, and trust for everyone.

We care deeply — about people and about our beautiful Neighbourhood .
We want a city that is safe, supportive, and sustainable for all.🖊️ Sign the petition

This is absolutely terrible.
Just because it’s St Kilda, people think this level of danger, disorder, and neglect is normal in 2025. It’s not. And we won’t stand by and accept it. The government and council need to do better—full stop - City Of Port Phillip

I have been in the tobacco retail industry for the past 15 years. Over the last three years, I have seen a significant decline in sales—not because of a drop in demand, but because illegal smoke shops are now operating openly on almost every corner. These shops sell counterfeit and untaxed tobacco products, often without an ABN, without Eftpos facilities, and deal only in cash. While genuine businesses like mine do the right thing—paying taxes, GST, rent, wages, and complying with all legal obligations—we are being pushed to the edge. Meanwhile, these illegal operators pay nothing and make huge profits at our expense. What’s even more frustrating is that everyone seems to know what’s happening—politicians, the police, health officials—yet very little is being done. These operations are criminal in nature, but they are allowed to continue running in plain sight. This is not just unfair; it’s devastating for small retailers who are trying to do the right thing. If action is not taken soon, more legitimate businesses will be forced to close, and illegal trade will continue to grow unchecked. We urgently need stronger enforcement, more inspections, and real penalties for those breaking the law. Please take this issue seriously—our livelihoods depend on it.

This is literally cutting off any hope for honest tobacco retailers with the already rampant illegal tobacco trade almost shutting down honest buisness owners. Its a real shame as most people are very aware of the market and yet action is hardly changing a thing. Who would have thought the most lucarative business to be in Australia would be illegal tobacco. How is this slipping through out borders and governance. Shame on us for allowing this to continue.

I have been in the tobacco retail industry for the past 15 years. Over the last three years, I have seen a significant decline in sales—not because of a drop in demand, but because illegal smoke shops are now operating openly on almost every corner. These shops sell counterfeit and untaxed tobacco products, often without an ABN, without Eftpos facilities, and deal only in cash.

While genuine businesses like mine do the right thing—paying taxes, GST, rent, wages, and complying with all legal obligations—we are being pushed to the edge. Meanwhile, these illegal operators pay nothing and make huge profits at our expense.

What’s even more frustrating is that everyone seems to know what’s happening—politicians, the police, health officials—yet very little is being done. These operations are criminal in nature, but they are allowed to continue running in plain sight.

This is not just unfair; it’s devastating for small retailers who are trying to do the right thing. If action is not taken soon, more legitimate businesses will be forced to close, and illegal trade will continue to grow unchecked.

We urgently need stronger enforcement, more inspections, and real penalties for those breaking the law. Please take this issue seriously—our livelihoods depend on it.

As a devout non-fundamentalist Christian who very strongly believes in the doctrine of forgiveness, lovingkindness and compassionate understanding, I have personally known countless people who were criminals but have completely turned their lives around to become among the most humble, gentle and easy to get along with people I have ever met. Nevertheless, there will also be hardened criminals who, tragically, will continue to commit heinous crimes if they were allowed to live freely in our society. After all, even the Holy Bible clearly teaches that there are some wrongs that really are unforgivable.

River told William Richert that he "wanted to have his life known, and that he didn't want to be forgotten". Reopening this case is 100% in line with River's wishes. The truth always comes to light and those trying to discourage us from fighting for River are making it obvious that the truth has been hidden.