Prominent leaders say a whole of government and community approach is needed to curb the social disruption faced by pockets across the city and region.
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SBS' TV series Struggle Street, which finished airing on October 30, shone a light on the already known issues affecting some of the region's most vulnerable.
The documentary followed a variety of people as they battle drought, homelessness, rural isolation, a lack of health specialists and substance abuse.
Wagga Police Superintendent Bob Noble said those suffering economically are at a greater risk of harm of becoming victims of violence or becoming perpetrators of crime.
"We have a role of enforcing and putting persons before the court," Superintendent Noble said.
"When that person has some sort of vulnerability we try to look at other alternatives than putting them before the court as the first option ... unless that is the only viable option.
Superintendent Noble said diversionary or rehabilitation programs were an option.
"Particularly young people going into custody significantly increases their chances of social and other problems later on," he said.
Superintendent Noble said it is also important for police to ensure victims of crime get the appropriate care and support.
"If not referred to the appropriate support ... they can find themselves spiraling further and further down into marginalisation like economic disadvantage, mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction," he said.
"We need to push the conversation around marginalised communities and individuals into the public space.
"Community leaders need to take a lead on it because it won't move until we get it into the public discourse of people's minds and that is critical."
Superintendent Noble said shows like Struggle Street could be the catalyst for pushing conversations into the public domain.
"It's a fact of life ... we do have a lot of disadvantaged people," Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said.
"Fortunately in Wagga we have a number of agencies and charities who are helping those disadvantaged.
"We as a community are judged how we treat our most disadvantaged, there's certainly no easy solution to this."
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Cr Conkey said the drought, cycles of poverty, mental health and unemployment are all contributing to this issue.
"There is a role for government agencies, public housing services and facilities," he said.
"There is also a role here for state and federal governments to play ... they are looking and implementing serious packages."
Wagga MP Joe McGirr said these issues need to be talked about, not just in the Riverina, but across regional Australia.
"We as a community should do more and I think the state government could certainly be more active," he said.
"It's not just homelessness, it's public housing and how we do our public housing.
"The last three years, I think we have had 20 to 25 houses burnt and not replaced."
Dr McGirr said through government services and agencies working together, it would create better outcomes.
"I think we can do better in coordinating our services," he said.
"I know they work very hard: police, health, FACS and community services ... but I would like to see them talk and coordinate their services better."