Police praised locals and tourists alike for their behaviour as New Year's Eve went off safely and in a friendly manner in Lismore and across the Northern Rivers last night.

There was only one arrest for assault; otherwise, it was a non-eventful night that pleased Richmond Police District Commander Dave Roptell.

"There was no issue whatsoever at the Tropical Fruits festival, and right around our whole district.

"The focus was more or less down around the beach areas, so Lennox Head and Evans. We had 47 police deployed right across the district for the operation. I worked myself for a period of that time, and I was very, very happy with our results.

"There was only one arrest for assault. That's all it was for New Year's Eve, right across that whole footprint, so very, very pleasing results."

This was Commander Roptell's first New Year's Eve in the Northern Rivers below Tweed, and he was impressed at how celebrations remained friendly and respectful of the law.

"I understand it was about the same number of people as previous years; however, there were less people causing issues. No one was really taking advantage of the foreshores and drinking or anything like that. The strategy was that we got in nice and early, and set the tone straight away, and people understood, were compliant and no issues."