Only 22% of Wollongong residents feel safe in CBD after dark
Council survey finds just 22 percent of Wollongong residents feel safe in the CBD at night.
A 2025 Wollongong City Council survey found only 22 percent of residents felt safe in the CBD at night, a 43 percent decrease from 2017. The top three safety concerns were assault or verbal harassment, theft, and sexual assault.
Young people report constant fear, especially near train stations and public transport. University students think carefully about safety before leaving home.
They consider who they travel with and which routes to take. They also plan how they will get home.
Many lock car doors right away. They talk on phones to seem connected to someone.
They avoid walking alone after dark. Women and non-binary people describe these steps as routine but necessary.
Young men interviewed said they understand women face different safety challenges. They said they try to step in when they see unsafe situations.
Why it mattersFear is shaping young people's choices to avoid night-time social activities. This affects their independence and the local economy.
AustraliaWollongong residents, especially youth, limiting evenings out due to safety concerns; CBD night-time foot traffic and spending declining sharply.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 14 h ago
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