AS FIREWORKS lit up the sky over Mount Gambier to bring in the new year, police were able to enjoy the festivities without major incident thanks to a well-behaved crowd at Vansittart Park on Sunday night.
Traditionally a busy night for police, Mount Gambier officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said patrols were impressed with revellers who attended New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city.
“Mount Gambier was well behaved with no issues reported at Vansittart Park,” Sgt King said.
“Extra police were deployed to ensure safe New Year celebrations with an emphasis on behavioural offences and road safety.”
While thousands of people across Mount Gambier enjoyed the night, Sgt King said only two arrests were made at licensed premises.
“A 21-year-old Mount Gambier man was arrested for property damage and disorderly behaviour while another 21-year-old man from Mount Gambier was arrested for assault,” Sgt King said.
“Both were bailed to Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on January 30.”
A significantly pleasing aspect for police was the fact no-one was caught drink-driving in Mount Gambier, despite a number of driver screening tests.
“There were no drink driving offences detected in Mount Gambier, but a 30-year-old Mount Gambier man tested positive to methamphetamine when stopped for a random test at
3.20am,” Sgt King said.
Moving to the coastline, thousands of people also attended the foreshore celebrations in Beachport and Robe to enjoy fireworks and a range of entertainment.
Nobody was arrested at either location and Millicent Police Senior Sergeant Peter Brown said people were relatively well-behaved.
“The aim was to ensure a safe New Year’s Eve for everyone and we have to thank the public for the generally good behaviour,” Sgt Brown said.
No arrests were made, although recent changes to the law preventing young teenagers from consuming alcohol saw a number of youths caught red-handed by police.
New laws came into effect on December 18, making the supply of liquor to a minor under 18 and the consumption or possession of liquor by a minor an offence, except under strict conditions.
“Approximately 10 expiation notices were issued for minors possessing liquor under the new legislation, which allowed that to occur,” Sgt Brown said.
Despite being impressed with the behaviour of party-goers, Sgt Brown said catching two drivers with very high blood alcohol readings was alarming.
“We caught a driver with a reading of .161 who was also doing speeds of up to 154kph in a 110kph zone and then we caught another driver with a blood alcohol reading of .269,” he said.
“Heading into the new year, the concern continues to be irresponsible drivers who put others and themselves at risk, particularly by exceeding the speed limit and drink and drug driving.”
For ambulance services, it was a typical New Year’s Eve, with crews across the region busy from around 9.30pm to 4.30am on New Year’s Day.
“Our peak areas were Robe and Mount Gambier, but right across the region all our crews and volunteers were out at some point,” Limestone Coast ambulance service operations manager Andrew Thomas said.
“The main things we attended were related to over-consumption of alcohol and substance abuse, but fortunately there were no road traumas in the region.”
Mr Thomas said crews were able to have a safe and happy night, with some taking every chance to join in the festivities while they were on the job.
“I heard a Mount Gambier crew drove past Vansittart Park to catch a look at the fireworks and some of our workers in Robe and Beachport did the same, so it’s great that they could still enjoy the night,” he said.
While some people are now adapting lifestyle changes after making new year resolutions, Mr Thomas pleaded with the public to add one more goal to their list.
“I just want to encourage people to take accountability for their health in 2018 – look after yourself and your own well-being,” Mr Thomas said.
“If you experience chest pains or other health symptoms, act quickly and call 000 so that we can attend and provide assistance and transfer you to the nearest hospital if required.”
