Melbourne fireworks start 2019 with a bang
Melburnians partied through the night in the CBD after a colourful fireworks display kicked off 2019 with a bang. But it wasn’t a happy start to the new year for everyone with several people seriously injured during celebrations.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melburnians have partied through the night after a colourful fireworks display started the new year off with a bang.
Police praised the behaviour of the “overwhelming majority” of people.
But celebrations didn’t go to plan for some, including one man who suffered burns to his face during a firework mishap just after midnight.
The Altona Meadows man in his 60s is in a stable condition and will spend the start of 2019 recovering in The Alfred hospital.
PICTURE SPECIAL: MELBOURNE’S NYE CELEBRATIONS
WHERE VICTORIANS WILL WIN AND LOSE IN 2019
What a way to bring in 2019. Absolutely stunning Melbourne. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/5Ftp9gt0zo
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) December 31, 2018
A man in his 20s was flown from the Lorne Falls music festival after falling and hitting his head about 10pm. He was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.
Another man in his 20s suffered burns to his hand when he fell into a campfire near Kaarimba, in the state’s north, about 12.30am. He was taken by ambulance to Goulburn Valley Health in a stable condition.
Earlier in the night, paramedics were called to a near-drowning at Rye where a man in his 70s was found by passers-by and pulled from the water about 9.45pm. He was treated by paramedics and taken to Frankston Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Emergency services were kept busy across Victoria as paramedics were called to more than 1000 incidents between 6pm and 3am.
Ambulance Victoria Commander Ian Hunt said it was busier than last year’s celebrations.
He said jobs included burns, slips, trips and falls and many were affected by drugs and alcohol.
The busiest period was between midnight and 1am, with 161 incidents.
“Our workload built up gradually with the largest spike in calls coming from midnight to 2am when we responded to 324 emergency cases,” Mr Hunt said.
COLOURFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY LIGHTS UP CITY
Last night’s spectacular fireworks display was watched by about 400,000 people from spots across the city.
Bright colours splashed from 22 roofs around the city.
Thousands watched on from vantage points around the city as the fireworks lit up the CBD sky, including those who swarmed to Federation Square for a night of official entertainment.
Hundreds of revellers made a mad dash to Flinders St Station seconds after the 10-minute midnight firework display ended.
Partygoers made good use of the free public transport, flooding train platforms in the first few minutes of 2019.
‘ALL BUT A HANDFUL’ WELL BEHAVED: POLICE
Victoria Police said they were pleased with the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of New Year’s Eve revellers across the state.
However there were scuffles between police and members of the African-Australian community on Swanstan St shortly after the fireworks commenced.
A group of youths were gathered outside the Melbourne Metro Tunnel construction site near Flinders Street station when scuffles emerged around 12.05am.
It is unsure what provoked the incident which was quelled by police in around 2 minutes.
Police members were seen withdrawing their batons.
Community leaders were on scene at the time the scuffles emerged.
At 2am, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said people had generally heeded advice to celebrate safely and responsibly.
“All but a handful of the hundreds of thousands of Victorians enjoying New Year’s Eve festivities have behaved well,” DC Patton said.
“Police will continue working throughout the night to keep the Victorian community safe and are hopeful the positive behaviour will continue.”
Thousands more crowded the banks of the Yarra, sipping champagne in waterside bars and on the grass, while hundreds have flocked to the St Kilda foreshore.
Young families weren’t deterred by a heavy police presence as they enjoyed the sunset and got themselves a good spot for the fireworks.
Happy New Year everyone. Fireworks display is something special. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/2IT3X8RQnu
— Ryan Tennison (@ryan_tennison) December 31, 2018
Local police told the Herald Sun the alcohol ban and visible patrols had encouraged young families to return to the popular destination.
“I think the added publicity about the fact we’re out and about has brought the right people back,” one officer said.
“It’s good to see that people are respecting the new laws and heading to a licenced and ticketed event if they want a drink.”
Other officers said the good behaviour had come at a cost for those that obey the law.
“It’s unfortunate for most mums and dads that wanted to come down for a quiet drink on the beach,” they said.
“But the results of the alcohol ban are clear. We haven’t had any major issues and there is plenty of people here enjoying themselves without the need for alcohol.”
Caulfield father Lenny Moses said he has enjoyed the family friendly approach.
“We’ve had a great night out with the kids, just sitting back and enjoying everything,” he said.
“We originally came for the penguins but we ended up getting fireworks instead.”
A security guard at a popular St Kilda bar said despite recent violence in the area, venues were packed out.
“I honestly wasn’t sure if we’d sell out tonight but the place is packed,” he said.
“It’s good to see people are still going out and getting involved.”
Anke Van Den Brink said she was spending New Year’s in St Kilda for the first time with her family.
“It’s a famous beach and you see why,” she said.
“The wonderful weather and the beautiful scenery is a great place to enjoy New Year’s Eve.”
Police performed regular patrols along the beach and pier.
Booze buses set up along the Esplanade with public order response vehicles parked nearby.
Ms Van Den Brink said the increased police presence did not detract from the experience.
“They’re just here to look after everyone so it doesn’t bother us,” she said.
PARTY STARTS EARLY AT CITY BARS
Earlier in the night close friends partied on Melbourne’s newest CBD rooftop bar Peaches to welcome 2019.
Melbourne woman Mary-Ann Peasnell, 31, said she was excited to bring in another year with her best friends.
“I like to celebrate with good friends, good food and good drinks,” she said.
People streaming into Fed Square before the offical entertainment starts in less than 15 minutes. @theheraldsun @FedSquare #NYE pic.twitter.com/Dd2dB2CiBU
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) December 31, 2018
Bar owner Jon Rowatt, 31, said he usually had a more low key affair.
“Usually I have a pretty quiet one,” he said.
“But since I am opening the bar tonight I thought what better way to ring in the new year than to have a party here.”
Maria Angelico, 31, said she was excited for a 2019 full of “new adventures”.
Thousands of security guards and uniformed and plain-clothed police patrolled party spots, focusing on motorists, public transport, and alcohol-free zones. Counter terrorism police were also on alert.
Police patrolling Fed Square. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/20zWUHRYdT
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) December 31, 2018
Stunning NYE night in Melbourne pic.twitter.com/IVaHq5SvKZ
— Eliza Sum (@ElizaSum) December 31, 2018
K pop group KM United owning the stage at Federation Square in front of about 3000 revellers. About 10000 are expected to come through the Square by midnight tonight. @theheraldsun #NYE pic.twitter.com/PFMEqeUeZW
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) December 31, 2018
By 9pm 3000 revellers were soaking in music at Federation Square from around the world, with K Pop dance group KM United wowed crowds with their explosive moves and band Deep Street Soul wooing audiences.
Narre Warren teen Nino Poljo said 2019 was going to be a year of balancing his university study and taking time out to relax.
“I really want to get stuck into my business degree this year,” Mr Poljo said.
“I also want to take more time to relax in my down time,” he said.
Michelle Pitman from Brighton said this year was about turning over a new leaf.
“2019 will be a fresh start for me,” the 53-year-old said.
“I am looking forward to starting my new job and moving into a new house,” she said.
K pops dancers bringing their moves to Fed Square. The offical entertainment kicks off at 8. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/sVANDGvARx
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) December 31, 2018
Mount Eliza couple Chloe Harper, 20, and Jack Franks, 27, were hoping the new year would bring a dose of good luck with it.
Steve and Cathy De Witt planned on dancing into the year at a Hawaiian fancy-dress party at Federation Square.
“There’s probably no other night of the year you can wear something like this through the city and not feel silly,” Blackburn’s Mrs De Witt said.
“I love it.”
Big crowds piling into Point Ormond, Elwood for NYE fireworks 💥🎉🙌 @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/jHJCDlUrnp
— Sophie Elsworth (@sophieelsworth) December 31, 2018
EARLY FIREWORKS A HIT AT YARRA PARK
Meanwhile, thousands of families have streamed into Yarra Park for the early fireworks.
Lots of kids took advantage of free dance lessons at the two stages before enjoying a screening of Toy Story 3.
Justin Peat, said this was the third consecutive New Year’s Eve at Yarra Park for his family, which included wife Fleur and kids Tamsin, 11, and Riley, 8.
“We had such a blast the first time we’ve been back every year since,” the Bulleen resident said.
His daughter Tamsin said she was always excited to watch the fireworks.
Marie Pinto, 40, said it was the first year her family had come to the
city for the fireworks.
The Doreen resident said she had convinced some of her extended family to come as well.
“We heard about it and thought we’d do something a little bit different and get into the city,” said Ms Pinto.
“Everyone ended up coming in instead of going to a home.”
“It’s just nice to see other families and be out with people,” she said.
“It ended up being really lovely — Melbourne brought the nice weather for once.”
MORE HERALD SUN:
NOTORIOUS GANGLAND HITMAN MENACED LAWYER X
‘Angels’: Hero Coles workers save mum’s life
A mother of three has opened up on how her life was saved after she suddenly collapsed while doing a routine supermarket shop.
Wildlife and traffic fears over music festival
Wildlife advocates fear a weekend music festival in central Victoria will endanger native animals including rescued joeys.