Peaceful Yuletide

Alex de Vos
Local residents have enjoyed a busy but peaceful festive holiday season on the Surf Coast, according to traders, ratepayers and police.
Torquay Sergeant Brendon Boseley praised the behaviour of New Year’s Eve revellers, despite arresting four partygoers for drunken conduct.
“We were very pleased with what happened during New Year’s Eve,” Sgt Boseley said.
“Compared to previous years it was a lot quieter and we certainly noticed the crowd behaviour was a lot better.”
Surf Coast Community Ratepayers Group’s Lyn Smith also reported a reasonably subdued summer holiday period.
“There was a phenomenal number of people around but we didn’t have any problems,” Ms Smith said.
She said residents usually faced increased vandalism, noise and public drunkenness over the summer holidays.
“It was much better this year and I think it’s because everyone was working together a bit more.
“It was really good – there wasn’t a lot of noise and we had a lovely time.”
Torquay Commerce and Tourism Association president Martin Duke said the Surf Coast was bustling with day-trippers and holidaymakers over the festive season.
“It’s been very busy down here – the weather’s been good and there’s a lot of people around.” he said.
“Most of the shops are doing really well and we’ve had no real concerns with noise or revellers out of hand – it looks like they all behaved themselves.”
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee executive officer David Clarke said most of the holiday parks around the region were “solidly booked” through to Australia Day.
“It’s exceptionally busy along the coast and with some warm weather on the way we’re expecting that to continue,” Mr Clarke said.
He also praised the behaviour of holidaymakers and New Year’s Eve revellers.
“We’re very pleased with how things have unfolded and New Year’s Eve was one of the better ones we’ve had, partly because of the weather but also because people were more responsible with glass and litter.”