Welcome in the New Year
There are three official fireworks displays happening this year across Bass Coast
Fireworks
There are three official fireworks displays happening this year across Bass Coast, all scheduled for 9.30pm on New Year's Eve.
The Cowes New Year's Eve Fireworks are at the Cowes Jetty, with people invited to enjoy the display from the foreshore.
The fireworks, presented by Bass Coast Shire Council, will run from 9.30pm until 9.45pm.
This is a free, family-friendly event, so bring a basket, a rug or a chair to the foreshore to welcome in the New Year.
There are also 9.30pm fireworks at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve (11 Reilly Street) and the Coronet Bay foreshore (Cutty Sark Road).
There are no fireworks displays at midnight.
Details: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/explore/whats-on
Pets
Please don't forget your pets on New Year's Eve.
Many animals, especially horses and dogs can be frightened by fireworks, so make sure they are safe and secure.
Frightened dogs have been known to severely injure themselves in their desperate attempts to escape the sound.
Animal emergency service groups recommend supervising your pet to help prevent them from escaping or injuring themselves. If you aren't able to supervise, consider making arrangements with someone who can.
They also recommend keeping your dog inside if possible. This will not only reduce the sound of the fireworks for them but also ensure they don't run away.
You can use music or TV to mask the noise.
Don't risk it
In Victoria, fireworks are classed as explosives and can only be bought or used by a licensed pyrotechnician. It is a crime for anyone else to use them, whether in a public area or on private property.
The CFA has warned people not to use illegal fireworks, due to the safety and fire risks.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said crews responded to 50 incidents with the unauthorised use of fireworks, firecrackers, flares and similar items across Victoria during the 2023/24 financial year, with more than half resulting in a vegetation fire.
"These figures are a stark reminder of the dangers fireworks pose, particularly as we head into a summer of heightened fire risk," CO Heffernan said.
"With the fire activity we've already seen across the state, it's more important than ever for people to remain vigilant and avoid behaviours that could spark fires."
Those caught illegally selling, buying or using fireworks in Victoria can face thousands of dollars in fines or even jail time under the Dangerous Goods Act.
Information about the sale or illegal use of fireworks can be reported to Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by submitting a confidential crime report online: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/
