OK, there were some illegal fireworks going off on Phillip Island, and at Cowes in particular around midnight, and the odd hoon lost traction turning out of Bass Avenue into Chapel Street but all in all it was pretty good.
And on New Years Day, there was no sign of damage and not much more than the usual rubbish you’d expect after upwards of 5000 revellers packed The Esplanade for the spectacular 9.30pm fireworks display.
And following a major police operation by the police across the state’s holiday hotspots, they were also fill or praise for the behaviour of partying visitors and locals.
“Thousands of police worked around-the-clock with general duties, plain clothed and specialist police saturating the CBD, as well as key regional centres and holiday destinations,” said police in an event briefing this week.
“Scores of police monitored crowd behaviour as hundreds of thousands of people gathered to watch the various fireworks displays.
“A significant police presence was also in place at key areas across the state, including the St Kilda foreshore, Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast and Phillip Island.”
This included several of the distinctive black Victoria Police Public Order Response Units being stationed in the Cowes main streets and elsewhere. But there were few if any incidents locally.
Provisional statistics for the New Year’s Eve blitz across the state indicate there were:
• 33 people were arrested for various incidents including assaults, sexual assaults, traffic offences and a robbery
• Police responded to 64 fireworks-related incidents, several of which resulted in serious injuries and fires
Four people were caught drink driving, while 15 people were found to be driving while drug affected.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Grainger praised the public for their behaviour.
“We prepared extensively for New Year’s Eve so it’s pleasing to see thousands were able to come into the CBD and enjoy the festivities safely.
“We also saw great crowd behaviour at suburban and regional community celebrations, with people taking responsibility for their own behaviour and looking out for their friends.”
“There were only a small number of people who did the wrong thing, but they were dealt with swiftly by police, so the atmosphere was in no way spoiled.
“For those driving home today – remember we will be setting up random drug and alcohol testing sites across the state so if you think you’re over – please do not take the risk as chances are you’ll be caught.”