Fitzroy Crossing loses only dentist as crime crisis leads to town ‘exodus’

The only dentist in Fitzroy Crossing has become the latest casualty of what community leaders say is a “mass exodus” from the town due to crime. A closed until further notice sign could be seen on the door of the State Government-run facility last week, with a North Metropolitan Health Service spokesperson saying the Fitzroy Crossing general dental clinic was “regrettably closed temporarily” from October 8 due to an incident that required “accommodation and security upgrades for staff”. “Once these upgrades are completed it is anticipated services will be reinstated,” the spokes-person said. “Dental services can meanwhile be provided at either the Derby or Broome General Dental Clinics and emergency treatment can be sought at the Fitzroy Crossing Hospital.” In September, the clinic’s dental nurse Claudette Davison took to social media to vent frustration over the crime in town. “My car got stolen this morning. They dismantled the back door, stole the keys by our bedside while we were sleeping,” she said in a Facebook post. “They entered our bedroom to switch off the camera. How much safety, we need more.” Her post was backed by numerous Fitzroy Crossing residents sharing their experience. Fitzroy Business Network chair Phil Hams said the dentist was one of many people leaving town due to spiralling crime rates. “We’re at crisis point to be honest,” he said. “Every single day we have cars being stolen and homes being broken into and nothing seems to be changing. “It’s pushing long-term residents to their breaking point and they’re leaving town — taking their valuable and important services with them.” Mr Hams said residents felt their worries were falling on deaf ears. “I’m not sure the exact figures in town, but I’d love to see how many cars have been stolen as a ratio to population,” he said. “I’m sure the number would be ludicrous, and it’d be on the forefront of concerns if it was the same ratio in Perth. “There are hundreds of important people leaving town — the Government need to act now to ensure we are able to keep what little services we have left.” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said she was “deeply worried” hearing the town had lost its dentist. “We all know how essential oral hygiene is, especially in preventing chronic diseases in our Indigenous community, so it’s sad to hear crime has played a part in their decision to leave town,” she said. “The State Government is investing money and time to have these conversations about what needs to be done and to get those things done — we’ve recently invested in establishing night patrols in Fitzroy Crossing. “I will be looking into the situation — as I said I’ve only just learnt it — but I do understand how important having a dentist in town is, and it’s something I will be asking about.” Shire of Derby-West Kimberley president Geoff Haerewa was contacted for comment.