Brewarrina crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
346 recorded in this period, compared with 432 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Brewarrina
Brewarrina is a rural town and locality situated in north-western New South Wales, positioned on the banks of the Barwon River within the Brewarrina Shire local government area (postcode 2839). Located roughly 800 kilometres by road from Sydney, the region is characterized by a semi-arid climate and expansive flat plains dominated by agricultural land, particularly grazing and cropping. Demographically, the population is relatively small and includes a significant Aboriginal community, reflecting deep regional Indigenous roots.
The locality serves as a local service and administrative hub for the surrounding pastoral district, providing essential amenities such as schools, health services, and local government offices. Community life is closely tied to the river environment, with local infrastructure supporting regional transport, commerce, and community gatherings. Due to its remote location, residents rely on connections to larger regional centres for specialized services.
Brewarrina holds profound historical and heritage significance, most notably for the ancient stone fish traps (Bogan River/Barwon River system), known locally as *Baiame's Ngunnhu*, which are estimated to be thousands of years old. Constructed by the Aboriginal traditional owners, the Ngemba people, these stone traps are among the oldest human-made structures on Earth and are listed on the Australian National Heritage List. European settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century, developing the site as a key river port during the paddle-steamer era before the expansion of the rail network.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Breach bail conditions | 53 | 65 |
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 46 | 49 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 38 | 54 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 36 | 50 |
| Malicious damage to property | 36 | 37 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 17 | 22 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 13 | 19 |
| Trespass | 13 | 9 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 12 | 30 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 10 |
| Other theft | 7 | 2 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 7 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 7 | 6 |
| Fraud | 6 | 8 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 6 | 11 |
| Arson | 5 | 4 |
| Criminal intent | 5 | 5 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 5 | 9 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 931 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.