Police were forced to use pepper spray to subdue a brawling group of Warracknabeal residents about 12.30am on New Year’s Day.

Warracknabeal Acting Sergeant Prit Thandi said 10 to 14 people in Anderson Street were trying to hold down a couple of their friends, who wanted to damage a nearby property.

“They were fighting among themselves to hold their friends down,” he said.

“Police arrived and directed the group to stop fighting.”

He said police had to use capsicum spray numerous times before the group moved on.

“After, care was given to a couple of people affected by the spray,” he said.

“There were no injuries to any party, and no-one has come forward as being a victim.

“We try to avoid deploying capsicum spray, but in this circumstance it clearly had to be done to avoid further breaches of the peace.”

Wimmera police said there were few other altercations, and praised people for celebrating responsibly.

Edenhope Sergeant Dale McIvor said parties at Harrow and Lake Charlegrark were notable for all the right reasons.

“We were rapt with how people brought in the new year, particularly in our policing cluster,” he said.

Brim Lions Club outgoing president Mathew Crisp said about 400 people gathered on the banks of Brim Weir Pool at Redda’s Park.

Fireworks were scheduled to go off at 9.30pm and at midnight.

Despite some timing issues, Mr Crisp said the night went well.

“We had Murtoa band Cover 2 Cover playing from about 8pm until probably 1am,” he said.

“Former Brim man Darren Wardle sang whenever they had a break.”

It was the second time Brim Lions Club and the Brim Active Community Group had organised New Year’s Eve celebrations.