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New Year’s Eve – A Family AffairNew Year’s Eve promises to be a family friendly occasion across the Shire this year. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 21st December 2006 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Council’s Special Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane confirmed that Council would not be organising any night time activities beyond the 9.30pm fireworks in Cowes.
"Our community very clearly supports a low-key New Year’s Eve, which has worked extremely well the past few years," said Mr Angarane.
"The only events taking place in Cowes on New Year’s Eve will be family oriented activities.
"There will be a kid’s carnival happening on The Esplanade from 11am. All the money raised from this will go towards the Phillip Island Acquatic Centre Fundraiser.
"We look forward to families coming down here to enjoy our casual seaside atmosphere," Mr Angarane said.
Coronet Bay will also be holding a fireworks display at 9.30pm. A sausage sizzle and carnival attractions will take place from 6.00pm and families are invited to come along and enjoy the event.
Midnight fireworks will take place at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve.
Permits for fireworks displays this year have been secured, however the CFA does reserve the right to cancel fireworks in the event of extreme weather conditions.
New Year safety and behaviour
Council is reminding everyone that the Shire is an alcohol free zone and that infringements will be issued if local laws are broken by people drinking in any public area including streets, parks and footpaths.
"Heavy penalties will also be issued for unauthorised camping, for sleeping in cars and for the illegal use of fireworks," Mr Angarane warned.
Victoria Police, Council Local Laws officers and private security will be present over the New Year period to enforce these local laws.
Council has also expressed its concern at the risks some young people take by placing themselves in vulnerable situations while celebrating New Year’s Eve.
"In past years some teenagers have been putting themselves at serious risk through underage and excessive drug and alcohol use whilst celebrating New Year’s Eve," said Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon.
"It is expected that the high level of interest in this year’s Pyramid Rock Festival will reduce the number of teenagers in Cowes while providing them with two days of entertainment in a safe environment."
Get on board the bus
Shuttle bus services will be running this year on Phillip Island. Phillip Island Bus Lines shuttle buses will operate between Cowes and Pyramid Rock, as well as running from San Remo through to Pyramid Rock and Cowes. Buses will run half hourly between the following times:
o Friday 29 December – 10.00am - 1.00am Sat. to & from Concert
o Saturday 30 December – 7.30am - 4.00am Sun. to & from Concert
o Sunday 31 December – 7.00am - 11.00am Mon. to & from Concert
o Sunday 31 December - 7.00pm - 11.00pm into Cowes & Return
The shuttle bus service to Cowes on New Year’s Eve will cease at 11.00pm, after patrons attending the programmed activities are returned home.
Anyone needing information on shuttle bus services should contact Phillip Island Bus Lines on 5952 2500.
Car Parking
Council reminds residents and visitors to check the parking limit whenever they park their car in public.
"The busy summer holiday period always puts stress on the limited number of parking areas in many of our townships," said Mr Laydon.
"One way to share the parking around more equitably is to ensure that parking time limits are complied with.
"All designated parking areas are clearly signed and people are asked to comply with parking restrictions at all times to avoid the need for Council to issue a parking infringement," reminded Mr Laydon.
Council reminds people that theft from cars is an issue over the holiday period.
"Make sure you don’t leave valuables in your car," said Mr Laydon.
"And if you are parking at any of our beach car parks, please remember to lock your car.
Traffic alert
Motorists are reminded that a high volume of traffic is expected over the New Year period, particularly on the Phillip Island Tourist Road.
"Plan your trip to avoid peak travel times," said Mr Laydon.
"It is likely that Friday 29 and Saturday 30 will be busy, as people make their way down for New Year’s Eve.
"The sale of ‘Early Arrival’ camping tickets to Pyramid Rock allowing for Thursday night access to the venue should help ease the traffic situation on the Friday," said Mr Laydon.
"But there will also be a large number of cars on the roads unrelated to the Festival.
"Motorists coming onto the Island for New Year can expect to have a slower trip than normal and need to plan accordingly."
Another area of concern over the holiday period is the volume of pedestrian traffic.
"During the New Year holiday period, there are always a lot of pedestrians in our main precincts, particularly Phillip Island," said Mr Laydon.
"Motorists need to take extra care and not just within the town centres. Many of the Estates are poorly lit and without footpaths.
"People walking along the roadside can often be difficult to see," continued Mr Laydon.
"Anyone who is out walking in an area without footpaths, please remember to walk facing the traffic.
Keep Your Animals Secure over New Year’s Eve
Many activities over the New Year period cause pets to become extremely frightened.
Pet owners are asked to ensure their animals are well and truly secured this year to avoid the grief of having their pets run away, which is a common occurrence each New Year’s Eve.
Elsewhere in Bass Coast Shire
Although the focus of resources will be in Cowes there will also be added police and local laws presence across the whole Shire.
"At Bass Coast we enjoy New Year’s Eve as much as everybody else and good times come from showing respect for others. We look forward to a safe and pleasant time for all," said Mr Laydon.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Venus Bay’s Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship
From January 5-16, 29 emerging artists from Australia, New Zealand, and the US will attend the 2026 CMA Academy Senior Course in Tamworth, gaining mentorship, skills, and career development. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South closing temporarily for upgrades from 28 January to 31 March 2026
Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South will be upgraded with new climbing, swing, and junior play zones, closing 28 January to 31 March 2026, as part of Council’s renewal program. - East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Farm World 2026 at Lardner Park: Ag exhibitions, motocross, rodeo, animals, food, and family fun
Farm World 2026 at Lardner Park features motocross, rodeo, animal encounters, ag exhibits, hands-on farming experiences, food and drink, and family-friendly activities, celebrating Victoria’s largest regional agricultural event. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised. - Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue.
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