NSW police officers were out in force at last Saturday’s “Good Vibrations” festival in Centennial Park.
Around 175 police officers attended the event, including a large contingent from the Eastern Beaches Local Area Command, as well as licensing police, the drug detection unit, and police mounted on both horses and trail bikes.
Earlier in the week, Eastern Beaches LAC Superintendent Allan Sicard warned those bringing drugs to the festival they would be targeted. “I especially want to discourage anyone thinking they can bring and take drugs at this festival,” he said. “Recreational drugs are dangerous, illegal and potentially life-threatening.”
“Those in possession of illicit substances can expect to be caught. We will have drug detection dogs as well as a large number of overt and covert police resources aimed at catching those taking or dealing illegal drugs.”
Despite the warning, within an hour of the gates opening, Supt. Sicard said seven people had already been arrested for drug related offences.
One man attending the event, who chose to remain anonymous, said the problem with police drug enforcement at music festivals was that a large number of minor offenders are caught. “As long as they catch the blokes who are selling the pills to everyone it’s ok, but they get hold of the little guys,” he said. “I know a lot of people who come here and are like ‘nah, I wont get caught’,
“We’re being a bit careful.”
Another attendee, Chris Barker, said that he was not a big fan of sniffer dogs used by drug enforcement officers. “It’s the whole thing of suspicion,” he said. Mr Barker said he would be sticking to a few drinks from the festival’s licensed bars.
Didier Moutia, NSW State Operations Officer for St John’s Ambulance Australia, said 50 medical staff treated 338 patients over the day, mostly for dehydration in combination with the consumption of alcohol or other drugs. 11 people were sent to hospital, but none in a critical condition.
Organisers of this year’s event were challenged by the late withdrawal of two of the festivals main acts. Artists “The Killers” and “Friendly Fires” both withdrew for personal reasons.
In addition, bad weather marred the event. The Centennial Park fields were soggy from heavy rain on Friday night and thunderstorms sprang up over Sydney again around 6pm Saturday. Rain continued to fall until the festival’s closure at 10pm.
Daniel Quinn from Gerringong was disappointed at the withdrawal of “The Killers” but still took a two hour bus ride with several friends to the event rather than accept a refund. “It’s just about the day really,” he said.
by Aaron Cook
