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POLICE have praised the behaviour of those celebrating Australia Day across central Victoria.
Community events across the region went off without a hitch as large crowds were drawn out by the sunny but mild weather.
At Lake Weeroona thousands of people enjoyed a barbecue served up by local Rotarians.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Lisa Ruffell welcomed 36 new Australian citizens and presented awards to Citizen of the Year Linda Beilharz and Young Citizen of the Year Amethyst Downing.
In Castlemaine, roads were busy with visitors heading to the annual Fryerstown Antique Fair and the Newstead Live music festival.
Police in Bendigo, Echuca, Maryborough and Castlemaine all reported a quieter than usual Australia Day.
There was just one assault reported in Echuca, and Acting Sergeant John Atley said two men had been locked up for being drunk in a public place.
“The night and arvo shifts were very busy with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“But while we were kept busy, overall the general behaviour was acceptable.”
Bendigo’s Acting Sergeant Joel Smith said there had been no significant incidents in the city.
“Police were at the lake and around town for the Australia Day celebrations, everyone behaved well and it appeared to be good family atmosphere,” he said.
“By all accounts it was a pretty good day.
“In the evening we had two locked up for being drunk, but as far as Saturday nights go, that’s pretty good.”
Bendigo’s highway patrol reported no significant incidents on the region’s roads.
Related coverage: Bendigo charms crowds on Australia Day
