Longwarry party-goers fined

By Yvette Brand
An illegal gathering of friends around a bonfire at Longwarry on Saturday night has been slammed by police as “selfish.”

Eight people have been fined $5452 each after gathering at a private property in Western Barred Place on Saturday night for a bonfire.

When asked by police why they had gathered, the offenders told police they wanted to see each other so they had a party.

The eight people included men and women aged between 18 and 32-years-old.

They were fined for breaching the chief health officer’s stay at home orders.

Baw Baw police services area inspector Alison Crombie said police were disappointed with the “very selfish” acts of the group.

“The selfish acts of a few impact the majority of people who are trying to do the right thing,” Insp Crombie said.

The Saturday night party ended in the early hours of Sunday morning when police responded to a call to D24 about the gathering.

When police arrived at the residential property at 1am on Sunday, there was a large number of cars in the streets.

Police said lights were on in the house and a bonfire was burning in the backyard.

Insp Crombie said as police approached the property, people scattered everywhere.

Police charged eight people who were found hiding in beds, under beds, in wardrobes and in the backyard.

Insp Crombie said on this occasion police had responded to a call to D24.

But, she said police across Baw Baw were currently involved in pro-active policing patrols to enforce the CHO stay at home directions.

“People have to be aware that $5452 for a breach hurts and we will fine them,” she said.

Camping and state park areas around Neerim South, Rawson and Bunyip also are being targeted by regular police patrols.

Police are conducting checks at businesses, homes, community locations and non-essential services across the state to ensure directions are being followed.

A $5452 fine can be issued for anyone found breaching gatherings directions in the home or outside.

The community can report COVID breaches by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.