Police are urging people in the Newcastle area to celebrate safely and responsibly this weekend, with several large-scale events, including three music festivals taking place across the region.
Two music festivals will take place on Saturday 16 March 2019 – ‘The Drop’ Festival at King Edward Park and ‘Live at the Foreshore’ at the Newcastle Foreshore. While ‘Up-Down’ Festival will also take place at the Newcastle Foreshore on Sunday 17 March 2019.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place at each of these festivals including officers from Newcastle City Police District, with assistance from specialist units including the Dog Unit, Licencing Police, and Police Transport Command.
These events fall on the same weekend as three big sporting events in Newcastle – the Newcastle Knights will play their first game of the 2019 NRL season against the Cronulla Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday 15 March 2019. While the Newcastle Jets will play in the F3 Derby against the Central Coast Mariners at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 16 March 2019, and thousands are in town for the finals weekend of Surfest at Merewether Beach (Friday 15 March – Sunday 17 March 2019).
Newcastle City Police District Superintendent, Brett Greentree, says officers will maintain a strong presence at these events, targeting anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
“Thousands of people are expected to attend all these events across three busy days in Newcastle, and police from both general duties and specialist units will be patrolling the venues, targeting anti-social behaviour, and the supply and possession of illegal drugs,”
“It’s great to see Newcastle as a busy spot for sporting and music events, but we want people to enjoy these events safely. We’re regularly reminded of the negative effects alcohol and drugs can have on people’s health and behaviour, we will be targeting those intent on bringing any illegal substance into the events.” Superintendent Greentree said.
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who feels unwell, is urged to seek professional medical attention.
“The weather is forecast to be wet all weekend, so revellers are encouraged to look after one another, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water – not alcohol, and keep safe and dry in the weather conditions.” Superintendent Greentree said.
Anyone attending these events is asked to utilise public transport and plan your trip ahead of time. Visit www.transport.nsw.info for the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries, light rail and taxi ranks.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
