The South Sudanese Australian Summer Slam is unlikely to return to Wyndham this year, with Wyndham council calling on its organisers to find a new venue for the event.
In a statement put on Facebook this afternoon, Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said many residents had contacted the council with safety concerns stemming from the recent basketball tournament, which was held at Eagle Stadium between December 17-19.
The basketball tournament was linked to the trashing of a rented Airbnb house in Werribee on December 20, with four girls from Dandenong renting out the Attunga Grove property so they could attend the event.
“Whilst council is not responsible for policing and the resourcing of crime prevention and enforcement generally, council has considered the role we can play in response to these concerns,” Cr Maynard’s statement read.
“In light of the complaints about the antisocial behaviour that occurred in areas surrounding Eagle Stadium following the basketball tournament, we will be meeting with the operator of the Stadium, Victoria Police, Basketball Victoria and tournament organisers to suggest that this tournament not be held at the venue in the future.
“This is a disappointing outcome as the event provides a positive experience for members of our South Sudanese community however the conduct of persons not necessarily connected with the tournament have prompted this response.
“Importantly our youth services team will also be increasing our outreach work to provide support to at-risk young people in our community.
“Council will also continue to work with local police and the state government to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to community safety.”
