Kids in drinking gangs

But weekend also brings economic boost

WHILE the Labour Day long weekend provided a “muchneeded” boost for the Geelong economy, police were disappointed by the drunken behaviour of some young people at coastal hot spots.

Geelong Superintendent Craig Gillard said police saw many young people — some aged only 13 — in groups without any supervision out late at night, drinking alcohol and involved in anti-social behaviour.

“Aside from the risk this presents to both themselves and the broader community, we have to ask, ‘Where is the supervision?’ ” Superintendent Gillard said.

“It is not the role of police to babysit others’ kids when they are allowed to roam the streets and beaches at night at will.

“The parents and carers of those involved need to take greater responsibility and ensure they know exactly where their children are at all times.

“Much of this behaviour could have been minimised.”

Surf Coast Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Sean Halley said police put a lot of extra resources into the area to provide a deterrent to assaults and anti-social gatherings, while providing reassurance to locals that the police understood the changing environment post-COVID lockdowns.

“While there were some incidents that required police attention, for the number of people out and about I would say that the operation had the desired effect in regard to reduction of alcohol fuelled assaults,” Inspector Halley said.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince said the weekend was “very positive” for traders and venues across the region with accommodation bookings also strong.

“This is the first long weekend out of the five-day snap lockdown,” Mr Ince said.

“It was important for the industry to have a really positive weekend. Long weekends like this one in March are extremely important to support our industry and see businesses thrive again.

“It has provided an opportunity to bring some muchneeded dollars back into the local community.”

Mr Ince said “re-imagined events” such as the RONE art exhibition at the Geelong Gallery, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Wool Museum, along with the continuation of the new-look Pako Festa acted as drawcards to encourage visitors to the region.

“I think the response to these has shown some positivity, which is great,” he said.

“We’ve certainly seen people travelling in different ways.

“I think there is definitely that sense from Melburnians that they want to get out to regional Victoria.

“Geelong and Bellarine has many experiences on offer, which makes it a great option as a short break destination.”