Aurukun Mayor Dereck Walpo has told his troubled Cape York community they should be ashamed of themselves for not taking responsibility for their children.
Mr Walpo delivered cutting words as he addressed the townspeople following a crisis meeting of community leaders, police and government officials on Friday.
The meeting was prompted by violence from groups of out-of-control teenagers that forced the closure of the town's school and teachers and staff being relocated to Cairns this week.
Mr Walpo said the meeting was due to the school's weeklong closure but all had to acknowledge there were inherent problems that were "bigger than just this week".
He listed the main problems in the community as gambling, sly-grogging and drug running.
"It's time for the young Wik leaders to show they have the strength to start learning the wisdom of elders before they leave us, because they don't have no strength no more," the mayor said.
"We as a community aren't playing our part. No one seems to know where their kids are after 6pm.
"You should be ashamed of yourselves for not playing your part.
"It's more than a lack of respect and a lack of discipline. This is neglect.
"You're not showing love or respect and that's why young people are doing negative things to get attention."
Queensland Treasurer and Aboriginal Partnerships Minister Curtis Pitt, local Cook MP Billy Gordon, Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor and other government officials travelled to Aurukun for Friday's meeting.
Mr Walpo acknowledged the community received plenty of services from the government but it was also time for the community members to contribute to their own future.
"Do you want these services? Or don't you?" he asked. "They're (government officials) here to work with us and make our future brighter.
"While they've been giving, we've been taking.
"We've been taking their services for granted and not playing a part in bettering our own future."
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