Key Takeaways
- A prominent community member in Western Australia’s north, Cyril Mark Yeeda, has been charged with selling tens of thousands of dollars worth of alcohol in dry communities in the Kimberley.
- The alleged offense took place between October 2024 and July 2025, with Mr. Yeeda profiting from the sale of approximately $45,000 worth of alcohol.
- The practice of selling alcohol in dry communities, known as sly grogging, is a significant issue in the Kimberley, with strict rules in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and offences.
- Mr. Yeeda has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has been granted bail, with a court reappearance scheduled for next month.
Introduction to the Case
A high-profile community member in Western Australia’s north, Cyril Mark Yeeda, has appeared in court charged with selling large quantities of alcohol in dry communities in the Kimberley. The 44-year-old appeared in Halls Creek Magistrates Court and pleaded not guilty to one count of receiving, possessing, concealing, disposing of, or dealing with money or property that is the proceeds of an offense. The police allege that Mr. Yeeda profited from the illegal sale of about $45,000 worth of alcohol to residents of Halls Creek and surrounding dry communities between October 2024 and July 2025.
Allegations Against Mr. Yeeda
The allegations against Mr. Yeeda are significant, with police claiming that he bought more than 450 cartons of beer, 40 bottles of champagne, and 115 bottles of rum in Darwin, with a total value of approximately $45,000. Additionally, they allege that he received over 450 electronic bank transfers totaling $140,000 and more than $30,000 in cash deposits. The practice of selling alcohol in dry communities, known as sly grogging, is a serious issue in the Kimberley, with strict rules in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and offenses. Kimberley Police Superintendent John Hutchison has stated that sly grogging "exploits vulnerable communities and fuels harm."
Mr. Yeeda’s Background
Mr. Yeeda is a well-known and respected member of the community, having previously featured in a promotional video for Australia’s North West, showcasing his work at Home Valley Station. He has also received a national award as a disability support worker in 2019 for his work in supporting a man with autism in the remote community of Bililuna, south of Halls Creek. In an interview with the Kimberley Echo at the time, Mr. Yeeda spoke about his own struggles with alcohol and his desire to help young Aboriginal people get back on their feet and look after themselves. He has also spoken publicly about his troubled youth and the problems he faced with alcohol, saying that he had managed to turn his life around.
The Issue of Sly Grogging
The issue of sly grogging is a significant one in the Kimberley, with strict rules in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and offenses. Halls Creek has strict rules around the sale of takeaway liquor, and the practice of selling alcohol in dry communities is seen as a major problem. Kimberley Police Superintendent John Hutchison has stated that sly grogging "exploits vulnerable communities and fuels harm." The allegations against Mr. Yeeda are a concern for the community, and his case will be closely watched as it progresses through the court system.
Court Proceedings
Mr. Yeeda has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has been granted bail. He is due to reappear in court next month, where the case against him will continue. The allegations against Mr. Yeeda are serious, and the outcome of the case will have significant implications for the community. The case highlights the importance of addressing the issue of sly grogging in the Kimberley and the need for continued efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm and offenses in the region.
Conclusion
The case against Cyril Mark Yeeda is a significant one, highlighting the issue of sly grogging in the Kimberley and the need for continued efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm and offenses in the region. Mr. Yeeda’s background as a respected member of the community and his previous work as a disability support worker make the allegations against him all the more concerning. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, and it will be important to see how the court proceeds with the matter. The issue of sly grogging is a complex one, and it will require ongoing efforts from the community and law enforcement to address the problem and reduce the harm it causes.