Unruly youths have struck Tennant Creek’s most vulnerable again, this time a much-respected volunteer of the community.

Adrian Calyun is well-known around Tennant Creek as a volunteer, teacher and youth worker, and last Friday night he was victim to theft and vandalism.

Not only did the offenders invade his home, they returned later that night and stole his custom 2006 Holden Crewman which allows him to drive.

Adrian says he finished working with youth at the Tennant Creek Swimming Pool around 7.15pm and noticed his home’s screen door was mangled and door ajar, and broken glass everywhere.

He called the police straight away, and says to their credit they attended almost immediately.

It was about 11pm the same night he heard a beep, and the thieves had returned to steal his vehicle.

For hours later reports from locals, who are familiar with Adrian’s vehicle, were calling him to let him know his car had been witnessed driving erratically through town.

While the vehicle has since been recovered, it is now being assessed to whether it is a write-off due to the extensive damage including broken windows and even a chunk of the roof missing.

Now Adrian says the invasion is haunting him and he now is feeling unsafe in his own home.

“I feel like I have post traumatic stress disorder,” he said.

“I have never had to worry about anything but now I just feel so tense and I’m finding it hard to fall asleep at night. I just feel so helpless.”

Adrian has been a member of the Tennant Creek community for 24 years, volunteering at the Uniting Church Op Shop, The Hub, RSL Club, Show Society and the Red Cross’ Responsible Adult Support Person which he attends interviews when a child’s parental guardian is not available.

Adrian was also the 2022 Volunteer of the Year in the Barkly Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards.

While Adrian awaits the outcome of insurance to repair his vehicle, he is now having to risk his safety further by using his wheelchair to get around town.

“The children I work with are not happy with what has happening and they are always checking if I’m okay,” he said.

“And the community has been so supportive, with people checking up on me and bringing me meals to help ease the tension I’m feeling.

“I am very thankful for the support and care given to me by the Tennant Creek community.”

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 24 March 2023.