NSW: All quiet on the Cronulla front - a year after racial riot

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2006
NSW: All quiet on the Cronulla front - a year after racial riot

By Nick Ralston And Sam Marsden

SYDNEY, Dec 10 AAP - It was a summer's day just like any other at Cronulla beach today,
as the anniversary of the racially fuelled riot that tore through the southern Sydney
suburb passed without incident.

Police stepped up patrols at southern and eastern beaches but there was no repeat of
the scenes from December 11 last year or the subsequent revenge attacks.

"I am very happy, today's gone very well," Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione
told reporters.

"We've had no trouble at all, we didn't expect trouble, but it is always encouraging
when, in fact, that is what happens."

Any threat of disruption did not deter crowds as people of all ages flocked to Cronulla's
beaches to enjoy the water, take a walk along the beach and eat at local cafes, on a warm
December day.

Police Minister John Watkins said officers would continue to patrol the suburb "in
numbers" on significant dates like Boxing Day and Australia Day.

"The deputy commissioner said the only people running amok at Cronulla were the little
nippers running into the water, and that's exactly as it should be," he told reporters.

"Cronulla is a beautiful beach, an icon of the Australian summer, and that's how we
want and expect it to remain through today and the rest of the summer.

"However, we are ready, willing and able to take action if there are any incidents
at Cronulla or indeed other beaches across this summer."

He insisted the police operation to monitor Sydney's beaches in the wake of last year's
violence was "money well spent".

"There are always certain elements in the community who would like to see a return
to violence or anti-social behaviour," Mr Watkins said.

"We have a responsibility to the people of Cronulla and the wider community of Sydney
to make sure we've got resources deployed."

A few activists, including members of the extreme right-wing political party Australia
First, did however use the day to talk to beachgoers and hand out pamphlets.

More than 100 people have been charged with over 280 offences stemming from last year's
riot and the subsequent revenge attacks.

AAP nr/sm/wjf/jm/cdh

KEYWORD: SURF NIGHTLEAD

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.