Limestone Coast residents have been praised for their COVID-safe celebrations while welcoming in the New Year.
Limestone Coast Local Service Area officer in charge Superintendent Campbell Hill said New Year’s Eve went off without a hitch in the region.
“My leading word would be thank you because realistically everyone did exactly what was needed,” he said.
“There were very low issues, basically no issues and everyone was very well behaved – an empty cell is a happy cell for us on New Year’s Eve.
“It was really COVID safe, from the feedback I had from our people out and about people were really adaptable, realistically they did their part for what the public messaging had been.
“There was a swell of people down here but it was still really encouraging.”
Supt Hill said the majority of revellers were in Robe, comprising a mix of residents and tourists.
“From my point of view people were distanced out and about,” he said.
“Most people opted to stay within their holiday homes … and party with family and friends.
“Every year Robe is the centrepiece, the destination of choice and it was always going to be that way, we were at capacity in the southern ports … we kept a really close eye on the holiday parks and rentals.
“We were aware of people who did opt to leave and go home based on the COVID changing situation.
“The minute one group left there was another ready to take their place.
“We were at full occupancy.”
Supt Hill said the COVID restrictions were “very well received by the community”.
“This is the sentiment we see in the Limestone Coast, we do see it from a road safety point of view and a crime point of view,” he said.
“There was really great community uptake, they understand it and accept it and look after themselves and their family and do what advice is given.
“It allows police to focus on road safety and look out for those not behaving.
“It was just like a busy weekend for us in that context, we had walk throughs in licensed premises and built-up areas like caravan parks.
“It was testament to not only the lower rates seen across the Limestone Coast, whilst there is COVID making its way across the state we are not seeing a huge spike … from a policing contribution there is significant uptake and significant acceptance of the measures to keep us safe.”
Supt Hill said there was always a minority, whether it was wearing a seatbelt or a mask, who chose not to do the right thing.
“The reality of masks … there are people within the community who for various reasons do have a medical exemption,” he said.
“We ask people to have a bit of patience.
“We know with vaccinations, masks, maintaining distance and washing our hands that is a good recipe for avoiding the virus.
“As with any other weekend we had a couple of selfish pricks who wanted to drink and drive and they were caught by police and they have an appointment with the courts.”
