ALBURY mayor Kevin Mack has warned his community not to abuse the freedom resulting from the end of lockdown in the city.
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He said COVID rules had not been met at nightspots after the end of restrictions earlier this month and he didn't want a repeat.
"(There were) three venues I saw videos of where people were just shoulder to shoulder, not observing COVID restrictions, not doing the right thing," Cr Mack said.
"Police yourself. If that vision is seen in Sydney or anywhere else across Australia that's cause for lockdown."
Cr Mack linked footage of the Albury venues to crowds at Sydney's Bondi Beach during that city's shutdown.
"Anyone would have thought it was New Year's Eve 1965 the way they were behaving," he said.
"I can understand they were excited, I can understand the whole setting of people letting off a bit of steam, but that sort of vision across Australia doesn't look good.
"People are on Facebook, Twitter and all the platforms putting it on, saying 'have a look at this'.
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"We all make fun of Bondi Beach and beaches in Sydney but practice what you preach and...do the right thing."
Cr Mack was commenting alongside Murray River police district chief Superintendent Paul Smith and Albury MP Justin Clancy.
Superintendent Smith said footage flagged by Cr Mack could be used as evidence for COVID breaches but he noted there had also been compliance with QR codes checked and masks worn.
With the AFL grand final on Saturday night to draw patrons to hotels and to others' homes, Superintendent Smith stressed the need to obey COVID rules.
"Remember the restrictions at your private residence, only five visitors," he said.
"If you're going out and about do your best to assist licensed premises...to keep you safe and to keep the community safe and most importantly of all (to) keep us open."