A cracker of a night

HOBART’S waterfront was heaving last night as tens of thousands watched the fireworks to welcome in the new year.

Restaurants and bars were full, and the Taste of Tasmania’s New Year’s Eve party got the new year off to a rocking start.

Inspector Craig Joel was on the North-West Coast where police patrolled Burnie’s A Night on the Terrace event, Devonport’s Glow in the Park and Smithton’s New Year’s Eve rodeo.

Insp Joel said police numbers had been bolstered.

“There’s no identified risk but it’s just about making people feel safe,” he said.

In Hobart, Inspector Jo Stolp said police had worked with Taste festival organisers to increase safety.

Insp Stolp said while there was no threat, police were mindful of incidents interstate and overseas where crowded places had been targeted.

She said New Year’s Eve was also a great chance for community policing.

“There’s been lots of photos with kids, it’s a great opportunity for community engagement,” she said.

Australian band the Whitlams were the headline act at Taste of Tasmania last night.

Frontman Tim Freedman still wants to blow up the pokies, but he said the New Year’s Eve show was a civic event to cater for a diverse audience.

In the heartfelt rock ballad, Blow up the Pokies, Freedman sings about a fellow band mate’s gambling addiction.

“Often I find those who have a weakness for gambling find the problem worsens because of how accessible pokies are,” he said yesterday.

The Whitlams will be back in Hobart in May as part of their 25th anniversary tour.