Thousands flock to Sydney CBD ahead of New Year’s celebrations

Thousands of people flocked to the streets of Sydney as the clock ticked towards the start of the New Year due to increased security efforts following the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach.

As Australia prepares to bid farewell to 2025, the streets are already filling with revelers looking to find the best places to see the dazzling fireworks that will fill the skies of Sydney.

Thousands of eager Sydneysiders were seen queuing outside the Royal Botanic Gardens for the best view of the night; Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it would be the most dazzling yet.

While some waited patiently for the festivities to begin, holding umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, others lay on the grass with food and blankets as they settled in for the last day of the year.

Ms Moore said hundreds of thousands of people would flock to the city to take part in the celebrations.

“This New Year’s Eve will be the biggest celebration ever, and it’s about more than just fireworks,” he said.

“This is a reflection of who we are: a diverse, inclusive and creative city.”

Fifty lookout points will be set up across the city, along the Harbour, and “dazzling effects” will be launched from six pyrotechnic platforms flying over the water.

“Pyrotechnic shots made specifically for Sydney will shape the transition to local flora and fauna including koalas, cockatoos, bottlebrush and waratah,” he said.

At 11pm the Harbor Bridge will be illuminated with white lights, a menorah will be projected onto the poles and a minute’s silence will be observed for the victims of the Bondi attack.

“Three bells will mark the beginning and the end,” Ms Moore said.

Heavily armed police to patrol Sydney

NSW Premier Chris Minns said this year’s events would be supported by extra measures to keep the community safe, following the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 innocent people and injured scores more.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said Sydney residents should “respect each other, have some enjoyment and fun”.

“We cannot be in a situation where this horrific criminal act of terrorism is going to change the way we live in our beautiful city,” he said.

“We must stand up to this terrible crime and say that we will not bow to this type of terrorism and change our way of life in our beautiful city.”

Heavily armed tactical police will be seen all over the city as the celebrations continue.

“There are extra measures in place,” Mr. Minns told reporters on Wednesday.

“They will be operational and highly visible.

“Just because the public is aware of a change in protocol and sees a heavily armed police officer does not mean there is an active operation. It means they are there prepared for any eventuality.”

He said the community came together following the tragic incident.

“We need to show strength and endurance during this event,” he said.

Bondi Hub is closed for New Year’s Eve

The Bondi Centre, which was launched to help those affected by the Bondi Beach terror attack, will remain closed on New Year’s Day.

But he said the center would reopen on Friday and continue to offer support to those in need.

“We know that the families, the families of the victims, and those present at the Hanukkah event are at the sharp end of the terrible pain they must be feeling right now,” he said.

Although the center will remain closed for the next two days, counseling is available to those who need it, he said.

“If it’s an uncomfortable place for you to go back so close to the events, if you send a family or friend to the center and tell them you have a friend who needs help, we’ll send you a counselor,” he said.

“You can meet at a cafe or restaurant, or we can come to your home.

“We want to make sure people know there is help out there.”

Half a million people will flock to Melbourne for New Year

Half a million revelers are expected to take to the streets of Melbourne CBD to ring in the New Year, with fireworks and light displays set to light up the skies throughout the evening.

Four designated celebration zones have been established across the City of Melbourne, including Kings Domain, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Victoria Promenade.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said this year’s events will be one for the books.

“We have the biggest and best show ever,” he said.

“It’s also the best organized New Year’s Eve we’ve ever had.”