New Year’s Eve goes off in the party tradition

CHEERS and party poppers were a plenty on Monday night to celebrate the end of a year, and the start of a new one.

Residents throughout the Central Highlands spent their new year with family, friends and plenty of entertainment.

It was Dooley's Tavern and Motel's first new year celebrations, and manager Donald Watson-Brown said it exceeded his expectations.

"We just had a really good crowd," he said of the party atmosphere.

"We had families coming in for meals, which started early, but then they stayed on in the tavern while the kids played."

The Capella motel, which opened its doors last year, was the perfect spot to see in the new year, and Donald said they had a "great mixed crowd" who socialised at the venue until 1.30am.

"We had constant trade throughout the night, and everyone was very well behaved… we look forward to celebrating again next year," he said.

Residents in Blackwater also spent their evening with friends and family, and the Country Club was another facility to test out their patronage for their first new year since the $2 million dollar revamp they received last year.