LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has spoken in Parliament to commend the invaluable community service provided by the Cairns Street Chaplains.
“Since starting in October 2013, the Cairns Street Chaplains have had a profound impact on our city,” said Mr Entsch.
“The Chaplains walk the streets of our CBD looking out for those who have partied just a little too hard.
“The Chaplains will either escort them to a taxi or keep them company until they can be picked up by mum, dad or, in more serious cases, an ambulance.”
Mr Entsch made the speech following his own experience accompanying two of the Cairns Street Chaplains volunteers, Senior Chaplain Carol Christopher and Rachel Le Poidevin, on a rainy Saturday night in February.
Mr Entsch said the Chaplains mainly focus on those ‘under the influence’ who need a helping hand, which frees up police time and resources to target actual crime.
“Between 2013 and 2014, crime rates in our CBD dropped by nine per cent,” he said.
“The Street Chaplains can certainly claim some credit for this.
“It’s an absolutely amazing and valuable service; I thank them for it and I look forward to going out with them on another night in Cairns to look out for our young people,” said Mr Entsch.
