7am This is Alice Springs: Children of the Intervention
Oct 18, 2025
Explore the complex reality of Alice Springs, where government interventions have ignited chaos. Discover the aftermath of a shocking youth riot and the resulting emergency curfew, while locals express feelings of neglect amid a national discourse. Hear firsthand accounts of rising incarceration rates and community-led efforts to protect youth, all tied to generational impacts of past policies. Dive into the stories of resilience at a youth rehabilitation center and the lingering stigma from historical interventions, shaping the lives of today's children.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Local View: Ambondwa Not Alice
- Uncle Brian frames Alice Springs as beautiful to outsiders but a sad story for local Aboriginal people.
- He asserts the town's Indigenous name is Ambondwa and rejects the colonial name “Alice Springs.”
Three Generations On Changing Town
- Damien and his son Bison represent three generations and describe changing town dynamics.
- Damien says Alice Springs has “gone sour” and nights feel dangerous with gangs and trenches vibes.
Riot Amplified Longstanding Problems
- The 2023 unrest crystallised long-running problems and triggered emergency curfews and extra police powers.
- Media headlines turned local children into national symbols of disorder, worsening stigma.