Violence and vandalism in Alice Springs became a national fascination this year. First Peter Dutton, then Anthony Albanese flew into town, after rates of alcohol-related assault rose by 68 per cent in 2022. One community meeting, held by a group calling itself ‘Save Alice Springs’, became a focal point of the media’s coverage. But another meeting took place as well. On the edge of town, hundreds of Indigenous leaders and community members came together to discuss the crisis. Today, Gunaikurnai/Wotjobaluk writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo on the real issues facing Alice Springs.  Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Ben Abbatangelo.