Key viewing locations for Sydney's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks display reached capacity hours before the event, as the city prepares for a massive turnout of over one million revellers. The celebrations are being framed as an act of communal defiance following the Bondi Junction attack earlier this year.
A Show of Strength and Resilience
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has called on Sydneysiders to demonstrate their resilience. He urged the public to "square your shoulders, puff out your chest and walk out" to celebrate the new year, despite ongoing community concerns. Premier Minns stated there was an obligation to show strength during this period.
Popular vantage points, including the famous Mrs Macquarie's Chair, were reported to be full by Wednesday morning. The state government has implemented a significant security and logistics operation to manage the huge crowds expected around Sydney Harbour.
Enhanced Security and Transport Measures
A major police presence is in effect, with more than 2,500 officers deployed across the city. Some officers are equipped with long-arm weapons and will be embedded within the crowds, operating in a highly visible manner. Premier Minns confirmed police were on "high alert" but declined to give specific details on tactical operations.
To accommodate the influx of people, Transport for NSW has put on more than a thousand extra public transport services, a 40% increase on a normal day. Services will run continuously for 46 hours. Roads in the CBD closed from noon, with train stations near the harbour closing progressively from 3pm.
Transport Minister John Graham confirmed the scale of the operation, anticipating well over a million people would use the city's free viewing sites and transport network to celebrate.
Royal Commission and Recovery
When questioned about calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi attack, Premier Minns stated his government's focus was on the NSW-led inquiry. He emphasised that the state commission would not be a quick process, but one aimed at creating "fundamental change in NSW to combat antisemitism, to combat extremism in our community."
Minns also provided an update on Ahmed al-Ahmed, the hero of the Bondi attack who was recently readmitted to hospital. The Premier, who visited him on Tuesday, said the 43-year-old was "recovering" from his very serious injuries and described his progress as "phenomenal," noting he had been in serious danger of not surviving.
The city now awaits the stroke of midnight, with its world-famous fireworks display set to symbolise both celebration and a collective step forward.
