Police lay 83 charges at peace festival
Wheatbelt and Bencubbin police laid 83 charges and made five arrests at Earthdance global festival for peace in Bencubbin two weekends ago.
More than 1000 people attended Earthdance which is held annually in 500 locations in over 100 countries and involves a synchronised prayer for peace.
The charges were mainly for possession of illicit drugs mainly including cannabis, LSD and ecstacy.
About 30 of the charges were for possessing smoking paraphenalia.
Earthdance organiser Andrew Knox said police were over the top.
“The way they conducted themselves was a bit heavy handed.”
Police had also parked next to the on-site ambulance at the Mount Marshall Nature Reserve event site.
“People could have been deterred in certain circumstances from seeking medical help while police were next to the ambulance ready to lay charges.”
“I think over all the police were well within their rights to be there, but having police next to the ambulance is a potentally bad decision in the circumstances,” Mr Knox said
“Earthdance was a lot bigger this year, there are always a few idiots, but we would like to hold it in Bencubbin again next year,” he said.
Northam superintendent Catherine Bullen said she was pleased with the conduct of her officers.
“I am very happy with the way the police conducted themselves and extremely disappointed by the people who were charged,” she said.
Mr Knox said the majority of people acted in the intended nature of the festival.
“There were one or two reports of anti-social behaviour but most people were in the spirit of the festival.”
Bencubbin Hotel manager Trish Symons said Earthdance was great for business.
“The town needs something like Earthdance because it’s a small place and we don’t usually get a lot of people coming through.”
“I had no problems with the people, from what I saw it was a very entertaining, fun event,” Mrs Symons said.
Earthdance was promoted as a drug and alcohol free event, however police were present from day one.
Half the profits of Earthdance will go to Silver Chain, a charity providing health services within WA.
Mr Knox said the rest of the money covers costs and whatever is left will fund next year’s event.
