Street Angels coming soon
After months of delay GenQ Street Angels founder Andrew Stopps has promised to mobilise the volunteers and start patrolling Oxford St.
The Street Angels, which were due to hit the strip in November but were delayed by red tape, could be in the street as soon as this weekend.
Stopps said the group of volunteers was preparing to mobilise following the violent bashing of Craig Gee and Shane Brennen prior to Christmas, as reported in Sydney Star Observer.
“I had been given assurances by the police that not only would there be an increase in numbers of patrolling police on Friday and Saturday night, but also the support and follow-up of victims was a high priority,” Stopps said.
“I felt confident that we had done our job in putting pressure on the police and local government to get things improved and we had succeeded.
“We had also met with ACON and had been informed that the Street Safe Shop Front would be dealing with victims and supporting them as they came to the shop. They explained to us that they had trained volunteers who would look after victims and take statements until police arrived. We were told there was not a place for us in the shop front.
“After consultation with the Angels I decided that all the bases had been covered. We would be doubling up what was already organised. We were told that we were not needed.”
But Stopps said the community had been let down by those employed to protect them, and that the Street Angels were now needed on Oxford St on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Clearly nothing has been done, the police and the shop front both let down Craig Gee and Shane Brennen on that night,” Stopps said.
“Until I can see for myself that people are safe on Oxford St, then I am not listening to the word of other organisations any more.”
Stopps said he met with the Street Angels volunteers at the weekend to plan their first shift on the street. He said the group was still in need of financial assistance to purchase vital equipment including two-way radios, torches, medical kits and identifying street wear.
For more information on the GenQ Street Angels or to make a donation visit www.generationq.net.
