Bridge to shine with message of peace for New Year
The Sydney Harbor Bridge will be covered in white and the word “Peace” will shine brightly on New Year’s Eve as a minute’s silence is observed for the victims of the bondi Beach terror attack.
The city’s traditional fireworks display will start at midnight in 2026 and will be watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Sydney councils also continue to organize fireworks displays to herald the New Year, but Waverley Council canceled the event in Bondi on December 14, where 15 innocent people were killed by two gunmen.
Event organizer Fuzzy said he was working with the council “with a focus on compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community and all those affected”, allowing NSW Police to progress their investigations.
Shortly before 9pm on New Year’s Eve, the pylons of the Sydney Harbor Bridge will glow white with the image of a dove and the single word “Peace”.
During a minute of silence at 23:00, the bridge will be illuminated with white light and the word “Peace” will again shine brightly.
Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said this year’s event would show the world the city stood as one community that “will not allow this hateful act of terrorism to divide us”.
“I invite everyone to stop and light a torch at 23:00 to show the Jewish community that we stand with them and reject violence, fear and antisemitism,” he said in a statement.
The bridge will also be illuminated in blue at 10pm to commemorate the event’s official charity partner, Beyond Blue, which provides free mental health support around the clock.
Ms Moore said the safety of the public was a top priority and the City of Sydney had been working with NSW Police and the state government on security arrangements for 18 months.
People heading to the coast on New Year’s Eve can expect to see a significant police presence, security throughout the city and more CCTV cameras monitoring the crowds.
A Randwick City Council spokesman told AAP the Coogee Sparkles New Year’s Eve fireworks display will take place as usual at 9pm.
“We are liaising with the police regarding security for this and I think there will be extra security for this event.”
The event venue at Goldstein Reserve will be patrolled by city-appointed security guards between noon and 11 p.m.
Northern Beaches Council said fireworks displays will take place in the traditional Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Manly and Bayview areas at 9pm, with fireworks in the Bayview at midnight.
Fireworks, a drone show and live music at Parramatta Park in the west will also be held between 5pm and 9.30pm in 2026.
A City of Parramatta spokesman said the council had put in place additional security measures, including increased police presence, CCTV cameras, security guards and security barriers.
Municipalities are urging people to keep their pets indoors during fireworks.
