Last weekend, a young male, aged 15, was beaten by another user of the Goonellabah Skate Park, claiming “he owned it”.

The event, posted on Facebook induced questions and ire by many in the community, including a call for CCTV footage and ways to minimise harmful behaviour. Council has stated that in addition to a camera already in place, a second will be installed.

The police said the attack was reported to the police on the day of the attack by the victim and his mother.  

Richmond PD District commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner said, “The victim stated he was dropped at the skate park by his mother about 2pm to meet a friend. While waiting, he was approached by a male described as Aboriginal, 16-18 years old. 

“The person of interest told the victim to leave, as he owned the skate park. The victim initially refused.

“The person of interest began to punch and kick the victim and, at one stage, tried to take his scooter. The victim fought back and eventually agreed to leave the park if the person of interest left him alone.”

"The alleged attacker left the boy, who called his mother from GSAC. The boy identified his assailant in a group of youths outside Coles.

“The victim sustained a minor cut to the back of his left ear and redness to the left side of his cheek.”

The victim and his mother said they did not require any further medical care.

The circumstances were broadcast on the Facebook page Lismore and Surrounds Information by Andre Els, a community member concerned about crime in the area, calling for action by council to install more CCTV cameras. 

(The post with many comments and shares)

A spokesperson for Lismore City Council said, “Lismore City Council is committed to the safety of Council spaces. This year’s budget included a near $3 million investment into safety infrastructure and resources. This investment included dedicated budgets for CCTV, lighting of our public spaces and security. 

“CCTV networks are established across facilities as a part of an integrated response to public safety. While local councils are the most typical owners of CCTV in public places, a key purpose is to capture information that can assist local law enforcement when required. 

“There is currently a CCTV camera installed near the Goonellabah skatepark. 

Following the recent incident at the facility, Council provided relevant footage to police and also requested increased patrols through the precinct.”

The Police confirmed that “Police work with council on new developments in particular with regards to the Safer by Design principles. This includes suggestions around CCTV, lighting etc. Police also actively patrol public place areas to prevent and detect crime.”

“The police have a number of hotspot locations, which are priority tasking areas. Police will patrol these locations on foot and in vehicles.

“Police also run a number of programs which are targeted to youth including through the PCYC and schools.”

Council stated, “As part of a key focus on safety uplift across Council, an additional second location for CCTV has been identified at the Goonellabah skatepark, and Council is in the process of making arrangements for its installation.”

In regards to the person of interest, Supt Tanner said, “The identity of the young person is now known. He was alleged to be with a group of around 4 to 5 other young persons; however, none of those participated in the assault. 

“Depending on the young person's age, history with police/criminal justice system and circumstances of the investigation, consequences could range from no formal action, diversions under the Young Offenders Act up to and including prosecution for assault.”

Council has said they “have processes to assist in banning patrons from facilities where they can be identified and where it is reasonably deemed that they pose a threat to staff or community.”

Lismore City Council recommends, “For all cases of assault in our community, reports should be made immediately and directly to the police.”

There is ongoing concern by the community regarding crime in certain areas in and around Lismore.

At the end of last month, Andre commented that the We Watch community, a social media app for recording and reporting crime, has now reached over 9,000 participants since it started in March.