Fed:Police out in force as a nation celebrates
30 Dec 2008 5:43 PM
MELBOURNE, Dec 30 AAP - As a year of financial gloom is farewelled and more of the same is anticipated, Australia will do its best to squeeze in at least one night where troubles are forgotten.
In Sydney, the nation's biggest celebrations will be tempered by a no-nonsense approach from police; in Melbourne a controversial "Sensation" is planned, while West Australians will party on Perth's beaches.
In the top end, there will be Black and White Balls, platinum parties, gold galas and, probably, a monsoon.
Elsewhere, it will be the law that comes down on revellers who over-indulge or cause problems.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says thousands of plain-clothed and uniformed police would be on the beat in Sydney's CBD.
"We'll be putting more than 2,000 police in the metropolitan area alone to deal with whatever comes up," Mr Scipione said.
Debate has been rife on how much fun Melburnians should have at a dance party that is the largest single event scheduled around the country on New Year's Eve.
Around 40,000 are expected at the Telstra Dome for the Sensation rave party which organisers promise will be as drug-free as such an event can be.
"If we see those people, we will walk up to them and say: 'Hey guy, what are you doing?' and escort you out," said organiser Duncan Stutterheim.
Perth's traditional entertainment hub of Northbridge will again be the centre of New Year's Eve celebrations as will the city's popular beaches of Scarborough and Cottesloe.
In Adelaide, the annual Glenelg fireworks display is expected to attract upwards of 80,000 with more dry zones to be enforced.
And in Queensland, the New Year will be welcomed with by the Gangster and Glamour New Year's Eve Ball at Brisbane's City Hall, while the New Year's Eve party at South Bank is open to all.
