AUSTRALIA Day celebrations at Corowa will be significantly different this year in a bid to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.
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Grog bans will be enforced at Rowers Park, with alcohol to be replaced by a family friendly ceremony, water skiing and rowing display, food stalls and kids activities.
Sergeant Andrew Robertson said he wasn’t trying to be the fun police, but the antisocial behaviour of the past four or five years couldn’t continue.
“In the past there have been people aged about 17 or 18 up to about 30 who have all converged on Rowers Park and consumed copious amounts of alcohol,” he said.
“That led to assaults and anti-social behaviour later in the day and a lot of mess for the council to clean up.
“The council is sick of it, were’ definitely sick of it as police and the community is sick of it.
“It’s time for people to grow up and act as adults and just enjoy the day for what it is.”
The area has had fights between different groups with “the potential for serious injuries to occur”.
“That’s what concerns the police and council,” Sergeant Robertson said.
“Add a bit of water to that with the river nearby and it can be a big risk.”
Officers will be brought in from Albury for Friday’s festivities.
Sergeant Robertson said hundreds of people had converged on Rowers Park in the past, but officers would have no qualms about handing out fines for offences.
“They will be sent packing and the area will be out of bounds for anyone who wants to drink alcohol and ruin the day for other people,” he said.
“We hope as many families as possible get down to the park.
“It’s going to be purely a family day and we want everyone to enjoy it.”
The event will kick of in the park at 10.30am.
Awards will be handed out for the citizen and young citizen of the year, the community project and event of the year, and recognise young achievers.
A citizenship ceremony will also welcome new members of the community.