Calls to celebrate New Year despite heightened security

Hope, rather than hatred, will be the focus of Australians as they prepare to ring in the new year at live sites across the country.

All eyes will be on the Sydney Harbor Bridge, which will be painted white at 23:00 in memory of those who lost their lives in the Bondi Beach massacre.

In addition, a menorah will be projected on the poles in memory of the 15 people who lost their lives and the 41 people who were injured in the terrorist attack on December 14.

Traditional fireworks will then light up the world-famous harbor at midnight and NSW Premier Chris Minns will encourage revelers to line the shores.

“We need to challenge this evil,” he said Tuesday.

“The best way to do this is to spend some time on Sydney Harbor with friends and family on New Year’s Eve.”

The Prime Minister said thousands of armed police would be present to ensure the safety of the crowd.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his New Year’s message that the celebrations would be marred by the sadness caused by the Bondi attack.

“Yet what Bondi showed us was the best of the Australian spirit in all its courage and compassion,” he said.

“That’s why I’m optimistic and determined that we will meet the challenges ahead in the new year by working together and looking out for each other, as Australians have always done.”

Police will also be on duty in Melbourne, where around 500,000 people are expected to descend on the city for a fireworks and laser show at midnight.

Uniformed and plainclothes police will carry out extra patrols to eliminate antisocial behavior and violence, and weapons searches will also be carried out at transport centres.

Revelers can safely knock on doors in 2026 with live entertainment and fireworks at vibrant venues at Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain and Docklands from 9.30pm.

“We want everyone to welcome the new year in style,” said Melbourne Mayor Nicholas Reece. he said.

“We also want people to play it safe, so we ask everyone to plan ahead, act early and follow advice from transport and emergency services.”

In Perth, fireworks will light up the skies over the Swan River at 8.30pm and midnight, offering the best views of Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Square, the Supreme Court Gardens and the waterfront.

Revelers will line the banks of Adelaide’s Torrens River for fireworks displays at Elder Park at 9pm and midnight. On the coast, there will be family fireworks at 9.30pm in Glenelg and Brighton, and midnight fireworks in Glenelg.

In Brisbane, there will be simultaneous fireworks displays across the Brisbane River at 7.45pm and midnight, while punters can also enjoy the light show at Surfers Paradise at 8pm.

For Tasmanians, there will be fireworks over the Hobart River Derwent at 9.30pm and midnight, making the Regatta Grounds the best viewing spot for families.

Launceston will also host the annual BeerFest, allowing revelers to drink, dine and enjoy live music and comedy.

Fireworks will also take place on Darwin beach at 9pm and midnight for a family-friendly event that is alcohol and smoke-free.