Bendigo rings in the New Year with fireworks, fun at the Golden Square Pool

BENDIGO'S midnight fireworks were cancelled because of windy conditions according to a statement from the city council.

The City of Greater Bendigo announced the cancellation on its Facebook page about 11.30 on New Year's Eve.

The statement said the city considered advice from its professional technician as a matter of safety for himself, his team and the community.

Earlier:

Thousands of people have gathered in Bendigo to watch the family fireworks.

Families lined Pall Mall, the Queen Elizabeth Oval, and Rosalind Park to take a look at all of the light and colour on show.

Fiona Dobrzynski and her family came from Upper Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's east to celebrate.

"Last year we came and we really enjoyed them so we came again," she said.

Daniel Odgers and his family were also at the family fireworks at the QEO.

"We come every year," he said. "We've probably come the last five years.

"It's just a great spot, there's the family atmosphere, and it's great for the kids to run around on the grass."

EARLIER: Hundreds of people have gathered at the Golden Square Pool for a special New Year's Eve party.

There was music and pool games for the children to enjoy, while the adults also made use of the facilities.

"It's been wonderful," Golden Square Pool president Sam Kane said. "We've had hundreds of locals streaming through the gates at the Golden Square Pool to bring in 2020 and to start off a new year."

Mr Kane said the annual event was important for the Bendigo community.

"We found there wasn't a lot of family-focused events at New Year's Eve that everyone could come down to, have a bit of fun, then watch the family fireworks and be home really early," he said.

"So we thought what a perfect place to do it - the local swimming pool where the community already gathers."

Read more: Bendigo fireworks will ring in new year but some say displays should not go ahead

Laura Purtill was down at the pool with her family on Tuesday night.

"It's become a bit of a tradition," she said. "It's a great family outing. We just come down here and catch up with friends. It's a great way to bring in the New Year. "

Lori Nicholson was also at the event with her family for a second consecutive year.

"It's a great atmosphere and they always get plenty down here," she said. "It's always a good night with the disco and the kids can have a swim and have fun."

With the New Year comes the time for resolutions. Ms Nicholson said her family was on her mind.

"I think just spending more family, quality time together," she said. "Just doing a lot of activities and going outside."

For Ms Purtill, her goals reflect many others in the community.

"It's the same as it always is - eat less sugar, exercise more," she said. "All of that."

After the festivities at the pool wrap up at 9pm, Ms Nicholson and Ms Purtill said their families would be heading into town for the fireworks.

The family fireworks display at Bendigo's Rosalind Park will run for five minutes at 9.15pm.

The long display will ring in the new year from midnight.

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