Key Takeaways
- 133 people were arrested and 354 charges were laid across Western Australia on New Year’s Eve
- WA Police maintained a strong presence in major entertainment precincts and community hubs to ensure safety and deter anti-social behavior
- 142 move-on notices were issued and 1208 edged-weapon scans were conducted
- Around 130,000 people attended the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Perth CBD
- The City of Perth Lord Mayor praised the large crowds for being well-behaved and respectful, making it a great family-friendly event
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The start of a new year is always a time for celebration, and Western Australia was no exception. As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2026, people gathered in large numbers to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the new year. The WA Police Force was out in full force to ensure that the celebrations remained safe and enjoyable for all. According to a WA Police Force spokesperson, visible deployments and specialist teams were deployed across major entertainment precincts and community hubs to enable quick responses to emerging issues.
Police Presence and Arrests
The police presence was highly visible, with a strong focus on maintaining safety and deterring anti-social behavior. While most revelers acted responsibly, officers still had to deal with a small number of alcohol-related incidents. In total, 133 people were arrested and 354 charges were laid across WA on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, 142 move-on notices were issued, and 1208 edged-weapon scans were conducted. The police were prepared for any situation, and their swift response helped to prevent any major issues from arising.
Preparations and Community Engagement
Earlier in the week, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime had announced that a strong police presence would be maintained on New Year’s Eve, following the recent Bondi attack. The police had also reached out to various community groups to provide assurance and engage with the public. As a result, the police were able to maintain a strong presence without tolerating anti-social and violent behavior. The community engagement and outreach efforts paid off, with the celebrations remaining largely peaceful and enjoyable for all.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Perth
The City of Perth was a hub of activity on New Year’s Eve, with around 130,000 people gathering to enjoy the fireworks displays over Elizabeth Quay. The City of Perth Lord Mayor, Bruce Reynolds, praised the large crowds for being well-behaved and respectful, making it a great family-friendly event. The atmosphere across the state capital was incredible, with the Lord Mayor thanking the crowds for their good behavior. The City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were an amazing way to farewell 2025 and ring in the new year, and the Lord Mayor looked forward to a fulfilling, successful, and safe 2026.
Summer Events in Perth
The New Year’s Eve celebrations marked the beginning of a exciting summer season in Perth. The City’s Summer Series at Elizabeth Quay, AusCycling, and Fringe are just a few of the events that are set to take place in the coming months. The Lord Mayor encouraged everyone to make the most of the summer events, promising that it would be a great time to experience all that the city has to offer. With the City’s Summer Series and other events on the way, Perth is set to shine in the coming months, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Western Australia were a success, with the WA Police Force playing a crucial role in maintaining safety and order. The strong police presence and community engagement efforts helped to prevent any major issues from arising, and the celebrations remained largely peaceful and enjoyable for all. As the city looks forward to a exciting summer season, the New Year’s Eve celebrations marked a great start to what promises to be a fulfilling, successful, and safe 2026.