What a difference a day makes ! In contrast with last year, yesterday's Australia day was peaceful and fun for the crowds that gathered at Belmore basin.
There were only twelve arrests - and the lack of trouble can be squarely attributed to the big police presence and the implementation of sensible rules on alcohol.
In previous years the event has been marred by groups of drunken yobbos wandering through venues, causing fights and vandalising property. As a result, family groups with children were becoming reluctant to attend.
Perhaps the key to this year's success has been the pre-event publicity of what was in store for trouble makers. Laws are in place for alcohol free zones and it was well publicised that the police would be there in force - and would have a zero tolerance for offenders.
This is a lesson to be learned for kerbing the late night drunken activities that plague the streets of our CBD.
The yobbos can be contained - if there is sufficient police on patrol to enforce the law and it becomes clear to patrons that undisciplined behaviour will see them end the night in the cells.
The only limiting factor is finance. It takes money to maintain the police numbers to keep our city streets safe - and that is the question we need to hammer home to the state government.
It's called " priorities " - something we need to demand - loud and clear !
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