Ashmont residents defend their suburb

It follows some locals, who described it as a “war zone”, opting to relocate out of fears they’ll be targets of crime. 

While statistics have proved some crime, mainly malicious damage to property, arson and theft, are far worse in Ashmont that the notoriously crime-prone suburb of Sydney’s Mount Druitt, Wagga mayor Rod Kendall believes many of the social issues stem from housing estates, evident across Ashmont, Kooringal and Tolland.

Cr Kendall maintained crime was generally an outcome of when people of similar social disadvantage were grouped together in one community, but said working together was a way forward.

“There are concerns we need to address, including participation in our community,” Cr Kendall said. 

“We can’t turn a blind eye to issues that (exist).”

Cr Kendall said early intervention would help resolve crime across all Wagga suburbs, not just Ashmont.

Advertiser readers also defended the suburb over social media at the weekend. 

“I grew up in Ashmont and now choose to live here,” Bron Clarke posted on Facebook. 

“Not all of Ashmont are bad. We have good streets and bad streets.

“We have good people and some bad people, just like all suburbs everywhere.

“Stop putting Ashmont and it's good people down because of a few idiots. Some parents need to discipline their children more and take some responsibility for what their children are doing.”

Dorne Black said Ashmont was no worse than any other suburb in Wagga, while Julie Ann Morris agreed “it is no different to any other suburb and I'm sick of people putting the entire area down”.

Cr Kendall's sentiments over housing estates mirror concerns over the number of vacant social housing homes being destroyed by fire.

Of the 1200 Family and Community Services (FACS)-owned houses in Wagga, 400 are located in Ashmont.

A FACS spokesman said police were contacted where a transfer request is made on the basis of anti-social behaviour.

“FACS views all tenancy breaches seriously and takes appropriate action where required,” the spokesman said.

FACS and NSW police are currently developing a crime prevention partnership aimed at early intervention in crime and anti-social behaviour.