There will be a similar contingent of police out and about today as there was on New Year's Eve, with Newcastle's police chief urging people to "be kind to each other" and not let the forecast hot weather increase the risk of alcohol-fuelled problems this Australia Day.
Superintendent Wayne Humphrey also told the Newcastle Herald that Aboriginal community leaders who had organised a protest for this morning had lodged the necessary paperwork and been in dialogue with police - and he was happy for the demonstration to go ahead.
He warned people across the city to adhere to the 50 person limit at homes - a COVID-19 safety measure - saying it was "ample" and that anyone who ignored the requirement would face "some type of enforcement action".
"We've got a very large police contingent out," Superintendent Humphrey said.
"We're much more mobile than we normally would be."
With tops of 37 degrees predicted for the city and 39 degrees in the lower Hunter Valley today, Superintendent Humphrey said police were aware that alcohol-related problems could be an issue.
"I don't think it's any secret the hot weather brings on some poor behaviours," he said.
"Be kind to each other - it's not an excuse to get paralytic and try to fight everyone"
Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing - who is in charge of NSW Police's statewide Australia Day operation - told reporters in Sydney yesterday officers were not out to disrupt people's plans, but it was important communities adhered to COVID-19 public health orders.
"Australia Day 2021 is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit, so we ask the community to be patient and respect each other and any restrictions in place," he said.
"People may be marking the day differently, but as with any major event, police will still be out and about across the state focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour."
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