Police out in force on Australia Day

WOLLONGONG City Council will be working closely with Wollongong Police this Australia Day to ensure everyone has a good, safe time.

The celebrations in the Wollongong Harbour foreshore area run from 8am to about 10pm and right across the day police will patrol the area.

The family-friendly event is alcohol-free and police will be enforcing its no-drinking stance. Anti-social behaviour will also not be tolerated.

“Australia Day is a day for families to get out, feel safe and have fun, and we wouldn’t want to see that compromised because of the behaviour of a few individuals,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

“Once again, Council is working with Wollongong Police to make sure everyone has a great time at this popular event. There will be zero-tolerance for anti-social behaviour.’’

Council’s Australia Day celebrations begin at 8am and have something for everyone; with events such as the gun battery march and firing of the cannons, displays from Circus Monoxide, and loads of fun performances on the main stage in Osborne and Lang Parks.

“The fireworks are at 9pm and they’re always a highlight for the families who line the foreshore area at Flagstaff Hill and along Cliff Road for a bird’s eye view,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“If anyone has any shade or camping structures anywhere along the Wollongong Foreshore area, including Stuart and Galvin Parks, I’d remind them to take them down before enjoying the fireworks. Council rangers and police will be visiting these areas and camping overnight is not permitted. This area is not equipped for camping and we have to consider matters of public safety and hygiene.’’

Inspector Steve Hegarty from Wollongong Police said a large number of police will be out and about on Australia Day.

“Australia Day should be an enjoyable occasion for everyone. It’s not a day that should be ruined by drunken or anti-social behaviour,’’ he said.

“We want to make sure everyone has fun, and not at the expense of another person’s safety.’’