It was another successful New Year’s Eve festival in Lakes Entrance with perfect weather and two spectacular fireworks displays.
Despite reports of anti-social behaviour and emergency service resources being stretched, chairperson of the Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association’s Business and Tourism committee Sharen Cameron was pleased to see the large crowd attending and enjoying the festivities.
“It all went really well, and the crowd was well behaved during the evening, ending with the midnight fireworks,” she said.
With market stalls, food trucks, live entertainment, Chants Carnival, the new foreshore park and shops, clubs, hotels and restaurants open it created a family atmosphere with many picnicking on the grassed area of the foreshore.
“There was a lot of positive feedback, particularly with the closure of Myer Street where the food trucks set up. People said they felt safer wandering the area and the crowds could move more freely,” Sharen said.
Sharen thanked the volunteers and said it is always better with more. She noted the staff of Chants Amusement Park were helpful at the end of the night.
“They emptied bins and did a general clean up not just in their area but other parts of the esplanade,” she said.
“All in all, it was a great crowd and a good atmosphere, particularly with all the families. We will have a debrief of all aspects of the evening and welcome any feedback from the public. This can be sent via email to leada-bta@leada.com.au.”
Victoria police also reported that the New Year’s Eve festival was a successful event with a large crowd attending.
Police commander for Operation Skyfest and East Gippsland Local Area Commander Inspector, Mark Rossiter, said there were no major incidents or significant arrests.
“Police were happy with the behaviour of those attending,” he said.
“While there were some isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour, they were quickly resolved and did not impact on the safety of the community and the success of the event.
“There were 55 police working at Lakes Entrance with the assistance of a drone,” Inspector Rossiter said.
