Police, hospital on notice for ‘fight night’ in Ballarat

The move comes after a young man suffered serious facial injuries in an alleged assault at nightclub Bluestone earlier this month.

The end of year party, also known as tradie night, has put emergency workers on notice following widespread safety concerns in recent years.

Speaking to The Courier, police, doctors and nurses have called on revellers to drink responsibly.

Ballarat Base Hospital emergency department director Dr Pauline Chapman said medical staff expected a spike in admissions late in the night and into the early hours of Saturday.

“This Friday night is a big night, it is fight night for us,” she said.

Police aim to deter offending by ramping up patrols with dedicated officers targeting pubs, bars and nightclubs.

Sergeants will lead teams on foot and in vans throughout the CBD from the afternoon and through the night.

Senior Sergeant Stacey Glenister, who helps direct Ballarat’s frontline police on the beat, said officers would be out in force to “maintain the peace”.

“Please, do enjoy this time, but be careful,” she said.

“We recognise most businesses are closing down for a break on Friday and people are heading out to enjoy festive celebrations, so our operation will focus on maintaining public order.

“If people are committing criminal offences we will deal with it.”

The warning comes on the heels of an alleged assault that left onlookers shocked at Mair Street nightclub Bluestone in the early hours of December 10.

Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman Lina Hawi confirmed paramedics treated a man at the scene.

“One man in his teens was taken to Ballarat Base Hospital with serious upper body injuries,” she said.

Bluestone manager James Xipolitos said he could not comment if an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

READ MORE

The nightclub’s Facebook page says intoxication and unruly behaviour would not be tolerated at the premises.

“All patrons are expected to behave in a manner that ensures the safety of everyone in the venue,” it says. Ballarat Base Hospital staff hope an increased police presence across the CBD will help stop violent offending on Friday.

Nurse unit manager Kirsty McLean said it was important for partygoers to moderate their drinking.

"Now it is much better with police,” she said. 

“The pubs have better security, but it is a time of over indulgence. Take care with any drinking, because that is where accidents happen."

Meanwhile, booze buses will also operate as part of a big blitz called Operation Roadwise, with satellite police cars out to catch those who try and take back streets.

Senior Sergeant Ben Young said on Tuesday police had noticed a spike in impaired driving across Ballarat in recent weeks.

“There has also been an increase in local drivers being detected driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

“This represents a significant risk to community safety and police call on people to separate these behaviours over the festive season and organise alternate transport.”