Community safety, especially in the CBD and Goonellabah, has been a social media discussion point for most of 2025.

We know that a new PACER (Police, Ambulance, Clinical Early Response) person has been employed by Northern NSW Health and is attached to Richmond Police District on Zadoc Street. The new person is only getting their feet under the desk in January 2026, so we can't expect miracles in the next two weeks.

For those who are still concerned about safety, there will be an open Community Safety Forum that will bring together community members, Federal and State MPs, Police, Ambulance and Health representatives, local businesses and key stakeholders to openly discuss local safety and crime concerns.

The forum will focus on what’s currently happening, what’s working and where improvements can be made, with time set aside for questions and community input.

Facilitated by Ben Roche, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Southern Cross University, this session follows a Council resolution to hold an open public consultation to consider and identify practical, community-led solutions to safety issues and to ensure the right agencies are working together to address them. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from those involved, share your perspective and learn how reporting and data play a role in improving outcomes for the whole community.

The Details:

When: Tuesday, 17 February, between 5pm–7.30pm

Where: J Block, Southern Cross University on Military Road. J Block is The Campus Grind cafe, opposite Goodman Plaza (up from the gym and pool).

For more information and to register, click here.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.