An historic park in Melbourne's inner north was trashed on New Year's Eve when about 15,000 people showed up to an illegal dance party there. Small Business Accountant Yarra Mayor Jackie Fristacky said the City of Melbourne had for the first time promoted Edinburgh Gardens on its website as a good vantage point for the CBD fireworks display, without consulting its neighbour.
However, another Yarra councillor Steve Jolly said it was "awesome" that thousands of young people could celebrate for free in the park. It wasn't left in pristine condition but if that's the price we have to pay for young people to have a fantastic time for free, it's worth it."
"A FRIDAY night football program aimed at offering at-risk young people an alternative to loitering at train stations will continue in 2013. The Evolve Football Program, run for six weeks at Perth Football Club in Lathlain, attracted more than 100 young people, including one girl, with the majority of participants Aboriginal. WA Football Commission (WAFC) Perth district manager Scott Faulkner said on average 35 young people attended the Friday night sessions, which included football skills and games as well as health seminars."
