THE fallout from Saturday’s BMX brawl in Strathfieldsaye continued yesterday as differing accounts emerged of what took place.
As police attempt to unravel the chain of events that led to a clash between the crowd and a CFA crew, BMX riders fear that the future of the TrailJam event has been jeopardised by the unruly behaviour of a few.
Video footage obtained by The Advertiser showed that a fight had broken out within two minutes of the Strathfieldsaye crew arriving at Club Court reserve to deal with an old car set alight for a stunt jump.
Several people from the crowd of about 250 tried to interfere with the fire equipment, the crew responded by turning their hoses on the crowd and a scuffle broke out.
One BMX supporter can be heard complaining of a bloodied nose.
Later 15 police arrived and capsicum spray was used to subdue several people. But riders claim the fire crew were not attacked, and spraying the crowd at close range had only exacerbated the situation.
One 16-year-old Bendigo rider Steve Mackin told The Advertiser his friend was hit and winded by the water but he was neither drinking nor causing trouble.
“The fire was almost out when they arrived,’’ he said.
“The CFA were not attacked and we just think they overreacted.’’
He said one youth got a blood nose and another had an ear stretcher torn out as a result of the clash with the CFA crew.
However, Steve Mackin agreed the event needed better controls and would welcome security at future events.
“Next year will be the 10th anniversary event and if it doesn’t take place it will just break everyone’s heart,’’ he said.
Police and the CFA concur that most of the attendees were not involved in the violence.
The trouble centred on alcohol and about a dozen troublemakers who began throwing stubbies and trying to stop the crew from putting the fire out.
One of Bendigo’s leading BMX enthusiasts - Connections owner Ash Slattery, who helped found the event - said he was extremely disappointed that the unruly behaviour of a few had ruined a great day’s riding.
Mr Slattery, who does extensive work with Bendigo youth in BMX programs, said local enthusiasts had spent years developing trails at the reserve.
“This is 10 years of work gone in a moment because a small group of p..... morons from out of town ruin it all.
“That stuff with the CFA - they were not locals and they don’t care, they just leave town.’’
However, Mr Slattery conceded that the informal event, which has been promoted on the internet among riders, might be a victim of its own success.
Each year it draws bigger crowds.
Seven people were arrested in relation to drunkenness on the night and were later released.
Bendigo police are still investigating the assaults.
Bendigo crime investigation unit detective Senior Constable Kylie Chisholm said police had identified several people from Melbourne they want to interview in relation to the event.
City of Greater Bendigo director of community wellbeing Barry Secombe said the event was neither council organised nor sanctioned.
However, a meeting would be set up between police, the CFA and riders in the hope of implementing future controls.
“At the end of the day we don’t want to have to put up gates and lock people out.
“We want the reserve to be used for the purpose it was meant for - that is, fun and recreation for young people.
“But we also want to send a very strong message about what is completely unacceptable behaviour.’’
Mr Secombe said the council would consider setting up a local committee in the hope of better controlling the event.
Anyone with information on the incidents can phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bendigo police on 5448 1300.
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