NSW Police and event organisers have praised crowds following the conclusion of a safe and successful Sydney Royal Easter Show 2023.
Following extensive preparation and collaboration with event organisers, police implemented a high-visibility operation at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, from Wednesday 5 April 2023 to Monday 17 April 2023, to ensure the safety of everyone attending.
Officers attached to South West Metropolitan Region and Auburn Police Area Command were assisted by specialist officers, including from the Public Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and Youth Command.
Strike Force APACE was run in conjunction with the operation to identify individuals who posed a risk to public safety and whose access to the venue was restricted under a Public Safety Order (PSO).
In total, police issued 39 PSOs on people with alleged links to one of three criminal gangs. 36 orders were issued in the lead up to the event, with an additional three handed out during the operation.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said the positive outcome was a result of a comprehensive briefing following last year’s event and subsequent appropriate police action taken this year.
“The diligent preparation and resourcing of our officers, as well as additional safety measures at this year’s event, paid off in creating a safe environment for all to enjoy.
“The creation of Strike Force APACE and enforcement of Public Safety Orders meant police had the power to stop trouble before it had a chance to start.
“That said, police will continue to crack down on youth violence until it is eliminated across our suburbs,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
General Manager of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Murray Wilton, said the presence and operation implemented by the NSW Police was outstanding.
“I can’t thank the NSW Police, our security team, and wider operations staff enough for their incredible preparation and work on this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.
“We have worked side-by-side over the past 12 months, to implement a range of strategies that have worked successfully to ensure patron safety at our world-class event,” Mr Wilton said.
