Key Takeaways:
- A grassfire ignited by fireworks at the Dromana Drive-In on the Mornington Peninsula caused concern among New Year’s Eve revellers.
- Police arrested 18 people overnight for various offences, including assaults, driving, and property offences.
- Two drink-drivers were detected, with one blowing 0.123 and another blowing 0.90.
- Ambulance Victoria reported a busy night, with a 150% increase in caseload for paramedics in Melbourne between midnight and 2am.
- Paramedics responded to over 80 emergencies in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds, treating 62 patients and taking 33 to hospital.
- The use of illegal fireworks resulted in traumatic injuries, including potential loss of vision and lifelong disfigurement or scarring.
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Incidents
The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Victoria were marred by several incidents, including a grassfire ignited by fireworks at the Dromana Drive-In on the Mornington Peninsula. The fire sent up tall orange flames and large plumes of smoke metres behind movie screens, causing concern among the tightly packed revellers. In another incident, a 16-year-old boy was questioned by police in Lorne after a flare was set off in the middle of crowds during the planned 9.30pm fireworks.
Police Response and Arrests
Police arrested 18 people overnight for various offences, including assaults, driving, and property offences. Two drink-drivers were detected, with one blowing 0.123 and another blowing 0.90. Police also detected two drug-affected drivers, one from Altona and another from Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island. New Year’s Eve state policing commander Belinda Jones stated that while the majority of people celebrated safely and responsibly, a small number of individuals took risks with illegal and dangerous fireworks. Jones noted that all reported incidents were resolved quickly, ensuring no disruption to the wider community.
Ambulance Victoria’s Busy Night
Ambulance Victoria described the New Year’s Eve as one of the busiest in recent memory, with a 150% increase in caseload for paramedics in Melbourne between midnight and 2am. Paramedics responded to over 80 emergencies in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds, treating 62 patients and taking 33 to hospital. In Geelong and the wider Barwon region, the caseload for paramedics was up by 300%. Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery stated that traumatic fireworks-related injuries, stabbings, and serious assaults were among the emergencies to which paramedics responded.
Consequences of Illegal Fireworks
The use of illegal fireworks resulted in traumatic injuries, including potential loss of vision and lifelong disfigurement or scarring. Emery emphasized the dangers of using illegal fireworks, stating that people who used them had suffered serious consequences. The spate of violent attacks against paramedics continued on New Year’s Eve, with one crew forced to run from a person charging towards them in Dandenong, and another person threatening to kill paramedics in Ballarat.
Police Powers and Incidents
Police had powers to search anyone for weapons in Melbourne’s CBD, St Kilda, and Geelong under "designated area" rules. They found one 17-year-old boy at Flinders Street Station with an angle grinder, balaclava, gloves, and other items suspected to be used for breaking and entering. The teenager was charged and bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date. In another incident, a police helicopter and highway patrol unit chased down a hooning car in Melbourne’s south-west, ultimately thwarting the occupants with stop sticks at Williams Landing.
Government Response
Acting Premier Ben Carroll stated that the vast majority of Victorians welcomed 2026 with good behaviour, but there were some incidents of crime that would be dealt with appropriately by Victoria Police. Carroll emphasized the dangers of using illegal fireworks and promised to support emergency services to stamp out the illicit market. Police urged anyone with information about incidents on New Year’s Eve to contact Crime Stoppers. Overall, while the majority of people celebrated safely and responsibly, the incidents that occurred highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote safe and responsible behaviour during public celebrations.