WA town's syringe crisis: Parents on needle patrol
A regional Western Australian community is grappling with a sharp rise in discarded syringes, forcing parents to inspect their own backyards before letting children play outside.
Residents of Boulder, part of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder municipality, report finding used needles on footpaths, in playgrounds, and even on bus stop benches. The situation has become so dire that a local crossing supervisor, known as Miss Patt, has taken it upon herself to clear the hazards during her daily 2.5-kilometre walk, collecting up to ten syringes at a time into water bottles and buckets.
“I would rather I pick them up carefully than some kid find them or step on them,” Miss Patt told 7News. “Just walking and you can see them, I mean it's quite distressing when you think kids walk to school on their own, some of them are no bigger than their backpacks. It's like they probably pick them up out of curiosity.”
Parents forced to check yards before kids play
Local mother Pam described the problem as “absolutely disgusting,” noting that families now routinely sweep their properties for needles before allowing their children outside. “Not a day goes by that schools aren't picking them up out of the playgrounds,” she said. “Something needs to change because my children, at under six-years-old, should not have to be in class and be taught what to do when they find a used needle.”
Locals warned not to handle used syringes
A Western Australian Police Force spokesperson confirmed that Kalgoorlie Police are aware of the community's concerns. “The clean-up and safe disposal of used syringes is the responsibility of local government authorities and relevant health and waste management services,” the spokesperson said, adding that untrained members of the public “should not handle used syringes.” Residents are urged to contact their local council to arrange safe removal.
More than 5,000 discarded syringes collected this year
The WA Country Health Service pointed to its free needle and syringe exchange program at Population Health Kalgoorlie as a key harm reduction measure. A spokesperson noted the program provides sterile equipment, education on safe injecting practices, and encourages proper disposal. Safe disposal bins are available in most public toilets across town.
Despite these measures, the city's Safer Streets Patrol collected 5,085 discarded syringes between January and July, more than double the 2,450 collected during the same period last year. Guidance on what to do if you find a needle or syringe is available on the Healthy WA website.
Photo: News.com.au