Region parties in style

Geelong lights up

AN EXPLOSION of colour lit up the sky at Geelong’s waterfront precinct last night as crowds gathered to ring in the new year.

Corio Bay was set to be the backdrop for two captivating fireworks displays, one at 9.30pm and another at the stroke of midnight.

Equally as colourful as the skies above was the sea of families gathered on the grass of Steampacket Gardens to enjoy the early festivities.

The floating Christmas tree’s song and light show helped keep little ones awake and entertained in its final days on Corio Bay while many took in the action from the ferris wheel.

Surrounding venues Wah Wah Gee, Novotel, CQ, Edge, Le Parisien and the Yacht Club were also host to some of the hottest events in town, offering prime viewing positions for both fireworks displays.

Mild December conditions didn’t lessen the spirits of rev- ellers who ate, drank and danced their way into 2018 at events across central Geelong venues such as Centra, Frankie and the Piano Bar.

On the Bellarine Peninsula a 10pm fireworks display was set to delight locals and visitors at Barwon Heads bluff while at the same time on the Surf Coast fireworks were to be set off at Torquay.

Police were out in force to keep people safe and out of trouble and target anti-social behaviour. Extra officers were on the ground along our coast to deal with the boom over the peak tourist season.

Officers on the beat were also keeping a close eye on pubs and clubs to ensure responsible service of alcohol.

Revellers caught misbehaving faced a range of penalties, including a $634 fine for being drunk in a public place.

Police were also on the look out for illegal fireworks, which were blamed for filling the kennels with petrified, runaway pets at Geelong Animal Welfare Society during last year’s celebrations.