The alcohol-fuelled fracas marred the local celebrations and kept police busy on Monday night.

Acting Inspector David Williams said officers received close to 40 calls, from residents living between Town to Shelly beaches, who were worried about the “alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour”.

One Pacific Dr holiday unit proprietor was abused and told he was being “un-Australian” for not allowing the youths to enter his premises and swim in his pool.

“These are supposed to be our next generation coming through, and I was totally disgusted and ashamed,” he said.

“It was just complete and utter pack mentality.”

The man, who does not want to be named, said the youths were abusive, urinated on his property, and threw tables and chairs.

“They were so out of control it was not funny,” he said.

“This was our youth under the guise of Australia Day celebrations.”

Linda Wei, from Shelly Beach Store, said the youths milled near her business from 11pm, smashing bottles on the road.

She said they attempted to uproot signs and banged on walls.

“They broke the tap off our front wall,” she said. “There was water gushing out like a fountain. It’s such a nice town but these teenagers are causing such a lot of trouble.”

A long-time Pacific Dr resident, who did not want to be named, estimated there were between 60 and 80 youths in the street.

“They were definitely as young as 14, off their faces, totally,” he said.

“There were just fights breaking out everywhere.”

The man described the situation as “alcohol out of control” and said he saw a girl passed out on the edge of the roadway.

“The biggest thing is they are in danger, particularly the girls, but also the boys with their risk-taking behaviour,” he said.

Acting Insp Williams blamed the incident on the binge-drinking culture of youths.

“They want to drink in excess without trying to control their behaviour and without being considerate of others,” he said.

“It is disappointing in so far as spoiling it for the greater many who want to have a good time and celebrate the occasion. It’s really setting an wrong example for the town.”

Port Macquarie MP Peter Besseling said the “misplaced patriotism” had tainted Australia Day celebrations.

“Celebrating Australia Day, wearing Australian colours or being draped in an Australian flag does not qualify an individual or group for a ‘licence to yobbo’,” he said. “Australia Day is on of the few days of the year that all Australians can celebrate together and this opportunity should not be spoilt by selfish, reckless and often drunken behaviour.”

Police investigations are continuing.

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