NEW Year’s Eve revellers have welcomed in the new year with more bang for their buck.
Swan Hill Rural City Council’s new look New Year’s Eve celebrations were hailed a huge success as large crowds converged on Riverside Park to welcome in the new year.
Prior to Christmas mayor Les McPhee said council’s new look event aimed to create a family-orientated atmosphere.
That vision became a reality on Monday night as young and old joined together for a night of free entertainment, activities and double fireworks display.
“There was a real community feel,” one attendee said.
These sentiments were echoed by Cr McPhee.
“It was very well received,” he said.
“Overall the community was well behaved and enjoyed the night.”
Crowds arrived early in search of the best vantage points for the fireworks with many watching on from New South Wales, the bridge and the many houseboats along the Murray.
A large police presence throughout the night ensured incidents were kept to a minimum.
Two residents were arrested for being drunk in a public place, while investigations into an assault are continuing.
Swan Hill Police Senior Sergeant Kathy Zierk said police were called to a Swan Hill hotel around 1.30am.
It is alleged a 26-year-old man sustained a cut to his right arm after he was struck with a knife outside the venue.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and investigations into the assault are continuing.
Meanwhile, Robinvale police have praised party-goers with a relatively incident-free night.
Robinvale Police Sergeant Arthur Cassidy said one resident had an unwelcome start to her new year after her 2005 Holden Commodore was stolen from Latje Road around 5pm on New Year’s Eve.
“A lady went to purchase some alcohol and someone has come along and taken the car,” Sgt Cassidy said.
While the car has not been recovered, a prime suspect has been identified.
On New Year’s Day an intoxicated man was arrested in a residential street of Robinvale.
Police said the man was taken into custody for four hours and released with a penalty notice for public drunkenness.
Sergeant Cassidy said visitors arrived en masse at caravan parks for the New Year’s celebrations and fireworks.
He noted the vast majority of people were generally well behaved during the celebrations.
“Police are very happy with the crowd behaviour, apart from a few,” he said.
“The people that do behave well should be congratulated.”
