Lightning and rain for Melbourne NYE
A spectacular fireworks show soaring from the tops of Melbourne skyscrapers made it all worthwhile for those who braved soaking rainto usher in 2010.
At one stage Mother Nature, with booming cracks of thunder and lightning, threatened to dwarf the man-made extravaganza, but like all things showbusiness, the show went on.
The anticipated 500,000 crowd for Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations did not eventuate because of the drenching rain that arrived with a cool change in the city just after 9pm (AEDT).
Organisers estimated 150,000 hardy souls ventured into the city for the fireworks and they received glowing praise from Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.
‘The fireworks were not as mighty as they might have been on a clear night, but the crowd showed the resilience of Melbourne people,’ mr Doyle said. he promised next year’s show would be bigger and better.
But the revellers at Australia’s biggest NYE dance party – Sensation – held under cover at Etihad Stadium in the Docklands – were not deterred. the only time they got wet was getting to the venue.
Police using sniffer dogs detected 50 people trying to smuggle drugs into the dance party while others were arrested for drunkenness.
‘We think a lot of people were deterred from coming into the city because of the rain,’ a police spokeswoman said.
She said at Altona North, in Melbourne’s west, a 14-year-old boy was injured when fireworks blew up in his face.
Ambulance commander Lindsay bent said the New Year celebrations were a lot quieter compared with previous years.
‘Since 8pm we’ve had 46 cases, most of them alcohol- or drug-related, and a few people who have fallen over,’ mr bent said. ‘I think the weather has helped to keep things very quiet.’
The rain also helped douse out a 21-hectare grassfire in the Ballarat suburb of Mt Clear which was threatening a number of houses.
More than 140 firefighters had been battling the blaze after it broke out about 4.45pm.
In South Australia, celebrations were centred on Adelaide’s CBD, on the foreshore at Glenelg Beach and Victor Harbour.
There were about 1,000 police officers on duty to keep an eye on the crowds, which were mainly well-behaved.
Lightning and rain for Melbourne NYE
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