WODONGA police had to contend with several incidents of family violence on New Year’s Eve, tying up resources they say might have been focused on keeping partygoers safe.
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Inspector Tony Davis from Wodonga police said revellers were generally well behaved but an ongoing concern was the number of times police were called out to domestic disputes.
“We were kept busy with five family violence incidents that tied police units up for some time,” he said.
“Police resources could have been better utilised.”
Police made one arrest for public drunkenness and attended noise complaints throughout the night and into the early hours of yesterday morning.
Insp Davis praised the large crowd that attended the free annual Wodonga Family Fireworks Spectacular at Birallee Park.
“It’s good to see a family orientated event that is conducted really well,” Insp Davis said.
Hosted by Wodonga Raiders Football Club and Wodonga Council, the event attracted 6000 people and was incident-free.
“Everyone was respectful that it was a family night and behaved really well,” Wodonga Raiders president Nic Conway said.
“We had about 6000 people, which is significantly up on last year.”
Mr Conway said the club organised 50 volunteers who worked hard and “got something out of being involved in creating a successful event”.
