East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC), with support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), has successfully rolled out the MobSafe Night Patrol app across East Arnhem Land, a major step forward in modernising community safety operations.

The transition from paper forms to a purpose-built digital platform has been widely embraced over the past year. Yolŋu Community Night Patrol officers have reported that the new system is faster, easier and more reliable. EARC employees use the MobSafe app to record nightly activities, from supporting young people to disturbances, with data instantly synced to a backend Content Management System. 
 

“This is easier and more accurate than the paper form” said Team Leader Fabian Garawirritja at Ramingining.

The Patrol Coordinator in Galiwin’ku said, “It’s so easy to train and explain to the team how to do things now."

Designed with cultural and linguistic relevance in mind, the app features simple visual layouts, large buttons, and audio support in Yolŋu Matha. These accessible features were an important and necessary consideration for frontline employees at EARC.

The rollout has improved data accuracy, timeliness, team confidence and independence in reporting. The new system allows for reports to be submitted in real time, without the delays and confusion of double handling paper forms. 

This successful rollout demonstrates how co-designed digital solutions can empower Aboriginal-led teams to deliver safer and stronger outcomes for their communities. EARC thanks the NIAA for its continued support in helping Night Patrol teams move confidently into the future.