Wollongong City Council and local police will be working closely together this year to ensure a fun, safe, alcohol-free Australia Day 2011 event around Wollongong Harbour and foreshore.

The event will be a family-friendly celebration with everyone invited to Belmore Basin to relax and enjoy the entertainment on offer.

Council’s General Manager, David Farmer, said Council was working with police to ensure Australia Day was enjoyable for all.

“There will be zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour, violence and the consumption of alcohol, police will be confiscating alcohol and it will not be returned,” said Mr Farmer.

“Council’s Australia Day event is designed for the entire family, it would be disappointing to see a minority of individuals ruin the fun and compromise everyone else’s safety.”

Relieving Commander Acting Superintendent G. Donnelly said that the Police would be monitoring the event throughout the day and evening to ensure public safety.

“Like any other major event, Wollongong Police want Australia Day to be a family-friendly celebration by the public in a safe and secure environment without fear of being subjected to anti-social behaviour or alcohol related crime,” said Superintendent Donnelly.

“The event in Wollongong is an alcohol free event and police will enforce these areas, any alcohol located will be confiscated. Police in uniform and plain clothes will be out in force and will not tolerate hooliganism, criminal or anti social behaviour.”

To prevent dehydration, Council encourages everyone in the community to bring water to the celebration and sun protection.

For more information about the Australia Day event, collect a brochure at Council’s Administration Building, central and branch libraries or visit Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au