Council, police and communities send CALM message for Australia Day
As the Holiday Safe Campaign nears its end, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Qld Police and its community partners have a strong message to those celebrating Australia Day. “Be CALM this Australia Day
As the Holiday Safe Campaign nears its end, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Qld Police and its community partners have a strong message to those celebrating Australia Day.
“Be CALM this Australia Day!”
In preparation for the celebrations planned for Australia Day across the coast, representatives from CALM (Collaborative Approach to Liquor Management) are keen to reinforce the other key message from the Holiday Safe campaign this summer - that we all ‘make this season one to remember - not one to forget!’
Following some isolated unsavoury incidents on Australia Day 2009, manager for council’s community programs Mike Lollback, District Supt. Ben Hanbidge and CALM Caloundra chair Steve Fromont will be on hand tomorrow outside council's Caloundra office to discuss what sort of behaviour is expected and what won’t be tolerated in and around our Australia Day celebration sites.
Mike Lollback said it’s simply about laying down some sensible ground rules for acceptable behaviour on our national day and bringing the Holiday Safe campaign to a quiet conclusion for 2010.
“The Holiday Safe Campaign is about continuing to work together with the community to promote beach, water, road, alcohol, neighbourhood and transport safety and responsibility -particularly as we approach the last days of the summer holidays including Australia Day,” Mr. Lollback said.
“Council, police and our community partners (particularly our CALM partners across the region) want to remind those celebrating to do so responsibly.
“Collectively, we’ll be working closely to do everything we can to make this Australia Day holiday safe one for everyone.”
Community partner and Qld Police Service District Superintendent, Ben Hanbidge echoes Mr. Lollback’s sentiments and said responsibility – individually and collectively – is the key, particularly on 26 January.
“We’re aware Australia Day celebrations are planned right across the coast. However, we strongly advise those who plan to drink to plan ahead and seek alternative transport methods—either plan to have a designated driver or arrange another way of getting home safely by organising a lift or catching public transport,” Supt. Hanbidge said.
“If you choose to drink, be aware of how much alcohol you’re consuming – and keep a rein on your friends’ consumption too, both in licensed premises and at parties.
“As has been the case all summer, we’ll continue to work alongside licensees through the liquor accords to deliver a safety campaign that makes a difference.”
Holiday Safe campaign community partners include: Qld Police, Qld Transport, Translink, Lifeguards, Coastguard, Sunbus, Sunshine Coast Cabs, Surf Lifesavers, TravelSmart, Liquor Licensing, CALM Sunshine Coast Taskforce, Street Angels and Street Reach