A teenager has been charged over the alleged break and enter last week of a doctor's residence attached to the Aboriginal Medical Service in Walgett.

Police will allege that a doctor and sole occupant – a 73-year-old man – was inside the home when four people broke into the premises and threatened the man before leaving the location with his mobile phone, wallet and the keys to the vehicle.

Officers from Central North Police District responded to reports about 11.15pm last Thursday (19 June 2025), of a SUV allegedly being driven erratically through the township of Walgett.

It will be alleged that upon locating the SUV officers attempted to stop the vehicle and, when the driver allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was terminated a short time later for safety reasons.

Officers located the vehicle in Myall Street where it was seized for forensic examination.

Inquiries established that the vehicle had been stolen from a residential premises belonging to a medical facility on Naomi Street about 10pm that evening.

It will be alleged the group was driven from the scene by a 14-year-old boy.

About 2.30pm the following day (Friday 20 June 2025), officers arrested a 14-year-old boy.

He was taken to Walgett Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, and police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 14 July 2025.

Walgett Mayor Jason Ramien is appealing for change in the wake of the attack.

''On behalf of Walgett Shire Council and our Councillors, I want to express my deep shock and disgust at the appalling attack that occurred at a Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) residence Thursday night, June 19th that caused the closure of their GP Clinic on Friday the 20th June.

"A locum doctor who was serving our community was held at knifepoint, had their vehicle stolen and home invaded."

Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien

"This is not only an attack on a vital health service - it is an attack on our entire community,'' he said.

Cr Ramien explained that WAMS is the backbone of healthcare in the region, providing critical services that would otherwise require months of waiting or long-distance travel.

"We are ashamed that this kind of violence is happening in our town," he said.

"The actions of a few are putting the lives and wellbeing of many at risk."

Calls for community action

The mayor called on community members to work with Police as they continue to investigate the incident.

"To those responsible: when you or your family need urgent medical care, remember that you targeted the very people who are here to help.

"I also want to address those in our community who may have information.

"You know who these people are.

"I sincerely urge you to come forward and report what you know to Police or Crime Stoppers.

"Next time, it could be your family, your neighbour or your loved one who is affected either directly in a similar fashion or indirectly when they cannot get the medical attention they need.''

In a statement that would resonate with many western plains communities, Cr Ramien said the cycle of violence cannot continue.

''We are also seeing an increase in incidents where these offenders themselves are being injured. "If you believe you are protecting them, you are enabling behaviour that could cost them their lives.

"We thank the local Police for their swift response and continued efforts, but this is not a problem they can solve alone. It is up to all of us, as a community, to say enough is enough.''

In the hours since the incident, the Walgett Aboriginal Community Working Party and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Services have come together to call a community meeting for next Tuesday 1 July to address current crime issues impacting the town.

The purpose of the meeting is bring residents together 'to foster a collaborative, community-led approach to improving safety and wellbeing in Walgett.'