Statement from the Mayor - WAMs Incident
Published on 24 June 2025
On behalf of Walgett Shire Council and our Councillors, I want to express my deep shock and disgust at the appalling attack that occurred at a Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) residence Thursday night, June 19th that caused the closure of their GP Clinic on Friday the 20th June.
A locum doctor who was serving our community was held at knifepoint, had their vehicle stolen and home invaded. This is not only an attack on a vital health service - it is an attack on our entire community.
WAMS is the backbone of healthcare in our region, providing critical services that would otherwise require months of waiting or long-distance travel. We are ashamed that this kind of violence is happening in our town. The actions of a few are putting the lives and wellbeing of many at risk.
To those responsible: when you or your family need urgent medical care, remember that you targeted the very people who are here to help.
I also want to address those in our community who may have information. You know who these people are. I sincerely urge you to come forward and report what you know to Police or Crime Stoppers. Because next time, it could be your family, your neighbour or your loved one who is affected either directly in a similar fashion or indirectly when they cannot get the medical attention they need.
This cycle of violence cannot continue. We are also seeing an increase in incidents where these offenders themselves are being injured. If you believe you are protecting them, you are enabling behaviour that could cost them their lives.
We thank the local Police for their swift response and continued efforts, but this is not a problem they can solve alone. It is up to all of us, as a community, to say enough is enough.
Mayor Jasen Ramien
Walgett Shire Council