Geelong locals looking forward to bringing the New Year with two fireworks displays over Corio Bay, while the Lorne community has rallied to bring fireworks back to the coast town for the first time in three years.
The City of Greater Geelong will be putting on a display at the family friendly time of 9.30pm before the traditional midnight display, each for about eight minutes.
Eastern Beach Road between Moorabool and Yarra streets will be closed from 8pm until about 12.30am or when authorities deem is safe to do so.
“Council is thrilled to make the end of 2023 extra special for residents and visitors to our region by delivering fireworks each year,” Mayor Trent Sullivan said.
“The fireworks can be enjoyed in so many ways – whether it’s having a picnic at Eastern Beach, going to dinner and drinks at a central Geelong hospitality venue or finding the perfect vantage spot.
“We recommend starting your night with more free entertainment by taking in Council’s spectacular Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Show and the Christmas Projections on City Hall.”
Meantime, the Committee for Lorne and Lorne Business and Tourism Association have teamed up to help bring fireworks back to the Lorne Pier this year.
The last time locals and visitors enjoyed a display on New Years Eve was in 2019, with local businesses and community members helping raise over $5,000 to fund the display.
Again, two separate shows will wow crowds crowding the beach at 9pm and midnight.
Dog owners who live close to the areas where fireworks can be hears are being encouraged to make sure their dogs are inside and safe.
Danielle from the Geelong Animal Welfare Society said their organisation can get a lot of lost dogs on New Years Day, after they get scared and run away.
“If your dog is safe and secure at home then they can’t get hit by a car, they can’t run into any mischief and they stay safe,” she said.
“We get inundated with dogs on New Years Day, quite often it’s because they’ve been running scared from fireworks and they’re quite stressed and upset.”
Community members are asked to refrain from letting off illegal fireworks as they create a risk of serious injury or death.
