From today's Bangkok Post: Yesterday an Indian tourist, Chetn Dadhwal, 24, was stabbed to death as he tried to break up a fight during the Full Moon party on Rin beach at Koh Phangan in Surat Thani.

Party goer stabs party goer?

Its a wonder there isnt a lot more stabbings with the amout of people at the fullmoon parties.

People are near killing themselves every weekend at backyard parties here in Perth.

Den

Still can't work out who would be fighting and who would be carrying concealed weapons to a beach party. Must be a sign of the times.

Den, what do you mean by "People are near killing themselves every weekend at backyard parties here in Perth" ? Are people getting drunk and fighting?

For example a guy got arrested at a party on Walcott st this weekend
for threatning other party goers with a gun,not a coincidence that you live in that street as it seems to happen all the time!Every week without fail there is a semi riot at a party that police cant control.

I put it down to the ammount of "ice" being smoked.

We used to go to Northbridge all the time but now I wouldnt go there after dark,just too violent or unpredictable.

a few weeks ago I saw a guy get stabed in the arm outside the Queens hotel,doormen were there but couldnt control the fight,I never thought i would see that in Mt lawley/highgate!

Also there is a very high influx of overseas people on working permits and from the East,as there is plenty of work in Perth,and dare I say it even though a Pom myself, English/Irish + beer+ long hot sunny days doesnt always mix.

Den

Really, that's sad to hear, Perth was always a very safe friendly place. I agree about Northbridge, a terrible place, some shocking people running around there after dark, I also keep well away. Just as well I don't go to pubs in Perth. I like to go to the Charles on Tuesday nights to catch the blues bands but never seen fights there. That's about it. I usually buy a block and sit at home watch TV or play music. At the risk of being branded a rascist there are some very violent people coming to Australia these days from the Middle East & Africa. Also I didn't know about "ice" is that a violent drug. In my younger days we blew a few Js and layed on the floor listening to Bob Dylan. Never went out to hurt people.

When I was a young bloke in Perth (loooong time ago) if you got into a fight it was usually 1 on 1 and just punches, if either participant used a weapon or put the boots in they stood a good chance the onlookers would turn on him and sort him out.

Now knives, machetes even guns are common in fights, Parts of Perth can be as dangerous as anywhere else in the world.

Many of the recent migrants arrive as refugees, they come from countries where conflict has been a way of life for decades and a weapon can mean survival.

you're dead right bille1, I heard a report when I was last in Perth that 2 African gangs were having a machette fight in broad daylight at the Nollamara shopping center. Personally I feel that any refugees who do stuff like that should go back to the detention center and deported. Lending a helping hand to those worse off is one thing but unleashing muderous devils into the suburbs is something else. One thing's for certain, the good old days for Australia are well & truly over.

Just an observation, We live not far from Mirrabooka where many Sudanese, Somali and Eritreans live and shop, we operate a service business in the area and have had some dealings with the community and have found them honest.

Literacy (Lack of) is a burden and must lead to tremendous frustrations, many can't read or do simple math and many can't even spell their own name in english. We have had many instances where they try, then ask a friend to try to spell their name, we usually suggest they produce a electric or gas account.

It has been my experience that they appreciate our patience/help and return to do business or introduce family.

But I agree that criminal behaviour can't be tollerated.

That's how I feel. There are people in the world in dire need of help and our refugee program gives a fresh start and a new wonderful life to many of these people, but they have to obey our laws. Violence, rape, murder, theft cannot be tolorated. And any who commit these crimes must be removed from our society. I also feel citizenship is handed out too quickly and easily. Some new arrivals become Australians after only 2 years. Far too soon.