The man is in a critical condition in St George Hospital in Sydney.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday morning.

Carrathool Shire Council mayor Peter Laird was shocked to hear of the violent attack.

"It's disturbed me greatly," Councillor Laird said.

He said he was in shock because he had not heard of any other violent attacks in the town.

"None whatsover," he said when asked if he had heard of any other incidents in Carrathool in the past.

"I just hope it's a one off incident," Councillor Laird said.

Police have expressed great concern after a spate of violent offences on the weekend.

Five people were arrested following an incident outside a Hillston hotel about 6pm on Friday night.

The owner of the hotel was hit over the head with a schooner glass and was lucky to escape serious injury.

In Griffith, a 35-year-old man was walking along Yambil Street about 8.10pm on Saturday night.

He was approached by a male and punched. He was treated for facial injuries.

About 2.30am on Sunday morning an Irish backpacker was king hit from behind while he was walking along Banna Avenue and knocked unconscious.

He was admitted to Griffith Base Hospital a short time later.

Griffith police Inspector Tony Reneker said the one common denominator in all the incidents was alcohol.

"We really want people who are out celebrating to be mindful of themselves and their friends when it comes to alcohol consumption," he said.

"There can be a tendency for people to consume more alcohol than they usually do and this can create problems. We are still 10 days from Christmas and we have seen people's futures put in real jeopardy because of senseless alcohol related violence."

Police have made a number of arrests in relation to some of the incidents and expect to make more.

Alcohol related incidents in and around licensed premises will be targeted by police and there will be extra officers rosted on over the Christmas period.