Cairns Police are urging partygoers to ring in the New Year safely, with hundreds of people expected to descend on the CBD.
Additional officers will be patrolling the Cairns City area to ensure residents countdown the remaining hours of 2024 appropriately.
If you are heading into the CBD on New Year’s Eve, organise your travel plan ahead of time.
If you’re planning to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Plan a ride-share service or a designated driver to pick you up where necessary.
Cairns City Patrol Group Acting Inspector Jason Chetham said police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or alcohol-fuelled violence.
“Be smart this New Years and plan your night out, make smart decisions and report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to police immediately,” Acting Inspector Jason Chetham said.
“There will be a heightened police presence in the CBD to ensure everyone is celebrating safely, and Highway Patrol Unit officers will be enforcing safe behaviour on the roads.”
“Look after each other and start 2025 on a positive note.”
New Year’s Eve safety tips:
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings – if you feel threatened or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave immediately and go to a place where you feel safe.
- Use public transport or taxis where possible and be patient with other commuters waiting for these services.
- Trust your instincts and recognise warning signs.
- Develop a network of people who will assist you in an emergency and let them know where you are going and when you are likely to return.
- Look after your friends.
- Consider the necessity of the items you are carrying in your handbag or wallet and try to keep valuables to a minimum.
Safety tips to those who plan to drink on New Year’s Eve:
- Plan ahead as to how many drinks you will have and stick to the plan by monitoring your drinking.
- Book a taxi or designate a driver to ensure you and your friends get home safely.
- Eat before and whilst you are drinking.
- Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a sensible pace.
- Avoid mixing drinks and finish each drink before you have another.
- Do not leave drinks unattended.
- If someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with that person and accept the drink there.