Quiet night in town, despite the warmth

DESPITE a warm night, New Year's Eve was a relatively quiet affair in Ballarat last night.Yesterday's heat saw many people leave the city in favour of welcoming in 2008 on the coast, but those who stayed took advantage of the balmy evening to enjoy a range of celebrations, from barbecues to a trip to the pub.City venue Irish Murphy's hosted a Halloween-themed party, where costumed patrons had the sounds of band Swamp Monkey to help them bring in the new year.Ballarat's Matt McKenna joined friends Kris and Kim Whitby for a drink at the Lake View Hotel at sunset.Like many in the city, he said the trio was taking it slowly."But we'll see what happens later on," Mr McKenna said.Ballarat police sergeant Tim Walker said the city's nightlcub precicnt was quiet compared with most weekends.He said up until 11pm two drivers had been charged for being over .05, and one person had been arrested for public drunkeness.About 50 people gathered in front of the Ballarat Town Hall for the annual ringing of the bells from 9pm. Nicole and Craig McDonald brought their young family to listened to the bells, before heading home to bed."It's well past their bedtime already," said Mrs McDonald.While some locals were out of town, the city played host to many visitors last night.Former Ballarat resident Fiona Cutri flew in from Perth to spend Christmas and New Year with her family.Ms Cutri said it was the first time she been here for the holiday period in 15 years.Her new year's resolution? "To get home to see family more often."Canberra's Tracey Woods and her family were among many enjoying picnics and the playground at Lake Wendouree's Fairyland.Mrs Woods said she had come to Ballarat to catch up with family - and so her husband could buy a Porsche.Her new year wish was, understandably, that the car would make it home.Savitha Narayan from Sydney enjoyed park cricket with friends at Fairyland last night, and said her resolution was to do well in Year 12.