Catherine Grimley, Tennant & District Times

On Wednesday night as he was playing a game of eight ball at the Memo Club, local identity Greg “Wheelie” Jordan received an alert on his home security app that there were unwanted visitors in his yard.

His mates raced to his home, while another gave him a lift, only to discover that his modified car was stolen and home ransacked.

It was only a couple of months ago that Wheelie and his little dog Max were victims of a home invasion by three juveniles who knocked him out of his wheelchair, threw things at him and ridiculed him.

This time, aside from the car, they stole cash, alcohol, and a decorative sword and knife which he fears may be used as a weapon in another incident.

Police have since recovered the stolen vehicle, however the thieves stole the spare set of keys.

Wheelie is understandably upset and angry he is victim a second time.

“I know I won’t be able to sleep tonight, I am very angry and very tired,” he said.

“Thirty-three years here and they have definitely broken me.

“I used to love Tennant Creek and now I hate it.

“No-one is safe any more.”

Wheelie feels he has no option but to give up his beloved eight ball and become a prisoner in his own home until he is able to sell up and leave town.

Tennant Creek is going to lose a long-time resident, and eight Ball will lose one of its most devoted players all because of the behaviour of these youths. How many more of our most vulnerable residents are going to become victims before we see an end to this? 

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 14 April 2023.

Related story: Coward teens terrorise loved local