Gold Coast, Australia.
Touted as the crime capital of Australia and also referred to by the Financial Review as “a sunny place for shady people”, the Gold Coast is an example of a modern Westernised battlefield. The crimes that lurk beneath its façade are sinister. Attempted kidnappings at local primary schools, prolific drug use, many starting from 13 years of age, sexual abuse, fraud, extortion, murder, all these things being committed and ignored by local pillars of society. No longer the domain of rough looking stereotypes in ghettoised neighbourhoods, some of the most profiled people in the community here are responsible for the rotten belly of degenerative culture in this rapidly growing town.
The tragedy that takes place here is not the actual crime, but the lies that are used to cover its existence. The illusion of wealth and property is used as a tool to numb the population into truly believing that this place is a safe and great place to raise kids. It is a pastel placebo of perfect streets and swimming pools.
All images © Ying Ang