Operation Drink Drive II – a statewide initiative – was held over the weekend, and the Hume were the leaders in the region for compliance.

Only eight drivers were charged, even with the area holding the highest number of random breath tests in the wider region.

This was a pleasing result.

Unfortunately, there was a fatal accident at Berrima over the weekend. It involved a single driver missing a turn, and rolling his car. We don’t as yet know anything further about the cause.

It is just a reminder of the need to be careful, no matter what the conditions.

Also over the weekend was the Dragon Dreaming Festival at Wee Jasper.

The Hume LAC throws resources at this event, particularly in light of a death that occurred there a few years ago. We work closely with the organisers to make sure it’s managed appropriately.

But far too many people were caught with drugs on them over the course of the festival, and far too many people were caught driving under the influence of drugs.

We are more than happy to help with event, but if you misbehave it is at your own risk. We won’t tolerate criminal behaviour and will police it accordingly.

Which brings us to Tuesday and the Melbourne Cup.

I’m happy to say that everyone was very well behaved. Only one person was caught drink driving, and there was only one issue at a licensed premises.

Everyone drank responsibly, and we were happy to see people having a good time without making bad decisions.

This was a really good result for our community – well done.