Greg ‘Wheelie’ Jordan has spent more than 30 years in Tennant Creek, a town he used to love. 

Now, his family is fundraising to get him out.

Wheelie, who is a wheelchair user, has reported yet another break-in at his home, where he alleges perpetrators ripped the wheelchair lift off his car and stole money, alcohol and memorabilia.

It comes after an incident earlier this year, where he says youths entered his home and flipped him out of his wheelchair.

“It’s a shame, because this was my home and it doesn’t feel like it [anymore],” he said. 

Much-loved member of the community

Wheelie is a passionate player of eight-ball, a discipline of pool, at the Tennant Creek Memorial Club.

He plays the game religiously every Wednesday night, and has represented Australia in the wheelchair division — even earning him a place in the Australian Eight Ball Federation’s Hall of Fame.

But now, he’s calling it quits. His regular outing has left him vulnerable to break-ins at his home.

“I can’t even go out now to play my game without coming home to a trashed house,” he said.

“I can’t even do that anymore. I’ve had to quit.”

Call for action

The latest crime statistics report a 49.9 per cent increase in commercial break-ins in Tennant Creek in the 12 months to January, and a 16.57 per cent increase in property damage.

It comes after years of substantially increasing crime rates.

Karen Hayward is the chief executive at Papulu Apparr-kari Aboriginal Corporation in Tennant Creek.

For her, Wheelie’s departure signifies a shift in Tennant Creek — where those who have invested their lives in the town feel there is no choice but to leave.

She says it’s something she, at times, has considered.

“Tennant Creek was the heart of gold because we cared about everyone,” she said.