Walgett Shire Council has condemned the shocking incident that occurred yesterday afternoon (Saturday 4 October) at the Walgett Swimming Pool, where a female patron attending the pool with her children was held up at knife point and had her car stolen in front of children, parents and staff enjoying the long weekend.

A 17-year-old boy is now in custody and facing multiple charges over the incident which unfolded in full view of families and Council staff, many of whom were left deeply shaken.

Walgett council has weighed in, releasing a statement calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities.

"A mother simply enjoying a swim at a public pool should never be threatened with a knife in front of her own children," the Council release said.

"Council staff and patrons who witnessed the event have been left traumatised, and support is being offered to all affected."

Police were called to the swimming pool carpark on Montkeila Road, Walgett, at about 4.45pm yesterday following reports an armed teenager had allegedly stolen a vehicle.

Officers attached to Central North Police District were told a 35-year-old woman and her two children – aged two and four – were threatened by a 17-year-old boy who was armed with a machete.

The boy allegedly demanded keys to the woman’s car, before he left the scene in the vehicle.

A short time later, police saw the vehicle travelling south on the Castlereagh Highway towards Coonamble.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle and when the driver allegedly ignored the direction, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued for about 100km before police successfully deployed road spikes on the Castlereagh Highway about 20km north of Coonamble.

Walgett pool and carpark. IMAGE: Western Plains App

The 17-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Walgett Police Station, where he was charged with:

• Robbery armed with offensive weapon
• Aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle – armed with weapon
• Police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed
• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, and
• Unlicensed for Class, Class C, R, LR or MR.

He was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court today (Sunday 5 October 2025).

As a result of the incident, the pool was closed early to allow police investigations and staff debriefing.

"Council hopes to reopen the facility tomorrow, noting that the behaviour of a few should not take away the enjoyment of the many," a council spokesperson said.

Walgett mayor Jasen Ramien. [IMAGE: WSC]

This incident follows a concerning rise in criminal activity in Walgett in recent weeks.

Mayor Jasen Ramien said that this latest event marks a serious escalation that cannot continue unchecked.

“Enough is enough. This week alone we have seen two separate home invasions, a car stolen which ended in a police pursuit and the vehicle being burnt out, two attempted break-ins, and now this incident today,” Mayor Ramien said.

“One of the incidents occurred in a Council-owned house.

"Instead of investing in community projects, we have been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on additional security measures for Council properties.

"It is time the State Government and the court system got serious about the problems we are facing.”

Mayor Ramien said the people of Walgett have proven their resilience before.

“A few months ago we saw a similar spike in crime, and it was the community that came together to take a stand.

"That same spirit will be needed again, but we cannot do it alone,” he said.

Walgett council General Manager and criminologist, Andrew Brown. [IMAGE: WSC]

Council’s General Manager, Andrew Brown, a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of New England, said that while Council continues to play an active role in community safety, sustainable change requires proper investment in diversionary programs and crime prevention.

“Council is a willing partner in crime prevention, but we cannot do it alone.

"We need proper funding for proper diversionary programs and the development of a comprehensive crime prevention strategy,” Mr Brown said.

“Diversionary programs that engage young people in education, sport and employment opportunities are proven to reduce offending, but they require consistent and coordinated funding.

"Short-term or ad hoc projects will not deliver the outcomes our community deserves.”

Mr Brown said the Walgett community is uniquely positioned to lead a proactive approach to rural crime prevention.

“We have, right on our doorstep, the nation’s only research centre dedicated to rural crime at the University of New England.

"We need to bring together researchers, police, the courts and most importantly, the community.

"With genuine collaboration and appropriate investment, we can make a real difference, but we need the funding to make it happen.”

In relation to the incident at the pool, Mayor Ramien reiterated that the safety of staff and patrons remains Council’s highest priority.

“If we cannot ensure a safe environment for our staff, we will be forced to close the pool.

"We know how important this facility is to the community, but safety must always come first,” he said.

Mayor Ramien said it is now time for senior decision-makers to come to Walgett and hear directly from the community.

“I am formally inviting Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, and newly appointed NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon to visit Walgett and have a real conversation with us about real solutions.

"We need their support and leadership on the ground, not just words from afar,” Mayor Ramien said.

Council will now write to the relevant State and Federal Ministers and members seeking immediate intervention and a coordinated response to community safety across Walgett Shire.

“Enough talk, it is now time for action,” Mayor Ramien said.