Two Hunter mothers are calling for urgent action to improve safety at Newcastle Interchange after their 12 and 13-year-old sons were allegedly assaulted.
The boys had left their apartment building on Saturday 30 May shortly before 9pm and were walking to a nearby vending machine when they were targeted by five young men.
One lad suffered significant facial and head injuries and was taken to hospital, while the other escaped physical injury but has been left traumatised by what he witnessed.
For the mother of the injured boy, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her son’s privacy, the call was devastating.
“I was horrified,” she said.
“I’d spoken to him 10 minutes earlier asking about how his sleepover was going with his friend and everything was fine.
“Then I got a call saying he’d been jumped and they were taking him to hospital.”
Her son spent the night in hospital after suffering injuries to his face and head.
“He’s normally a confident, outgoing kid,” she said.
“But, for the past few days he’s been a shell of himself.
“He hasn’t wanted to eat, he hasn’t gone to school and he’s barely spoken.”
According to both families, the boys were allegedly set upon by a group of five intoxicated young men who threw alcohol cans and bottles before repeatedly assaulting one of the children.
The mother admitted one of the hardest parts to process was learning her son had cried out for assistance while being attacked.
“My son was screaming for help while they were laying into him,” she said.
“People were walking past as if it was normal.
“I just can’t understand how anyone could see a child being beaten and do nothing.”
Ms Jindi’s son was with the boy when the assault occurred.
While physically unharmed, she explained he had struggled emotionally since the incident and no longer felt safe in public spaces.
“He doesn’t want to catch the bus to school anymore and he doesn’t want to go out at night,” she said.
“He was trying to get help for his friend.
“He ran to staff and told them his friend was being attacked.”
Ms Jindi said she was heartbroken by the impact the incident had already had on both boys.
“They were just kids in their pyjamas going to buy a drink,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“The fact that they couldn’t do that safely is heartbreaking.”
The attack only ended when police, who happened to be nearby, became aware of what was occurring and approached the group, prompting them to flee, according to the families.
While grateful officers intervened when they did, the pair say the incident has exposed broader concerns about safety at the locale and a system they believe is failing victims.
Both mothers said they had since been contacted by numerous people sharing stories of violence and antisocial behaviour at Newcastle Interchange.
“Everyone keeps saying they know it’s dangerous,” Ms Jindi said.
“But, that shouldn’t be normal.
“People should be able to use public transport and feel safe.”
The mothers have also voiced frustration about what they see as a revolving-door justice system, claiming many young offenders are repeatedly arrested only to return to the community.
“People are fed up,” Ms Jindi said.
“They feel like nothing changes.”
The families are now writing to government representatives and calling for a stronger police and security presence at the transport hub.
While grateful her son survived, the anonymous mother said she felt compelled to speak out for those who may not be as fortunate in the future.
“I can still take my son home and hug him,” she said.
“But, the next mother might not be able to.
“That’s why something has to change.”
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