Corrimal, Australia — A New Year’s celebration turned into a nightmare for East Corrimal firefighter Craig Cameron, whose newly purchased car was wrecked in a hit-and-run incident. The crash occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, when an out-of-control driver collided with Cameron’s parked Nissan Qashqai.
The incident took place on a quiet street in Corrimal, where Cameron had parked his car outside his family home. The vehicle had been in his possession for less than 12 hours before the unfortunate event unfolded. Witnesses reported that the offending driver, operating without headlights, crashed into Cameron’s car, paused briefly, and then sped away.
Community Reactions and Police Investigation
Neighbours, awakened by the sound of the crash, quickly gathered at the scene. In a surprising turn, the driver returned to the location shortly after the initial collision. “We were standing on the street just looking at the car, the damage, and then the car came back past,” Cameron, 49, recounted. “I yelled out ‘stop!’ and they just drove past.”
Determined to catch the perpetrator, Cameron attempted to pursue the vehicle but was unsuccessful. The police have since launched an investigation, and Cameron is hopeful that someone will come forward with information that could lead to the driver’s identification.
“Anyone with information or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Challenges in Identifying the Culprit
CCTV footage from a neighbour captured the vehicle involved, suspected to be a Holden Rodeo dual cab ute, but the number plate remains unclear. Police have yet to confirm the vehicle’s make and model. The incident is part of a broader issue with reckless driving in the area, as evidenced by damage to a nearby park caused by similar antics.
“I’ve been down and checked, I’ve checked all the neighbours for cameras,” Cameron said. “A lot of them have got footage but we can’t get a clear view of the number plates.”
Broader Implications and Community Concerns
Hoons have been a persistent problem in the Corrimal area, with the latest incident highlighting the need for increased vigilance and community cooperation. The grassed park near the Corrimal Surf Club was also vandalized on the same night, leading Cameron to suspect the same driver may be responsible for both acts.
Cameron expressed his frustration and financial concerns, noting that the damage to his vehicle could cost thousands of dollars. “I just hope someone sees the story and has a conscience,” he said. “I’m hoping someone might have footage of the number plate or someone knows someone who [owns the ute] because their car’s got to be significantly damaged.”
Looking Ahead: Community and Law Enforcement Response
The incident has sparked discussions among residents and local authorities about potential measures to curb reckless driving. Increased police patrols and community awareness campaigns are being considered as part of a broader strategy to address the issue.
As the investigation continues, Cameron and his family remain hopeful for a resolution. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.
