Some dedicated individuals camped out overnight to claim a prime viewing spot for the grand event, while others began arriving at dawn. By 6 a.m., around 2,000 spectators had already gathered.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns encouraged residents this week to defy terrorist threats by participating in the city’s largest annual celebration.
An estimated 1.1 million people are anticipated to converge at the harbour, with 2,000 police officers patrolling the city center. Among them will be officers equipped with longarms—a rare sight for many Australians—aimed at reassuring the public of their safety.
Premier Minns explained that new security measures will include heavily-armed police mingling with the crowds. He emphasized that this presence should not be interpreted as the response to an active threat.
“They will be operational and highly visible,” Minns stated.
“This approach ensures they are prepared for any potential situation,” he added.
There will also be 1000 extra public transport services put on, running constantly over the coming 46 hours, Transport Minister John Graham said.
Major surges are expected after the 9pm fireworks and the midnight fireworks, with people urged to – if they can – walk further up George Street to Martin Place or Town Hall to have an easier time getting on transport.
The Barangaroo metro station will also be open later.
While the premier has called for people to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the community as normal, the event will inevitably be marked by the December 14 terror attack on a Chanukah celebration, in which 15 people were killed.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge will display the image of a dove and calls for peace and unity, while a menorah will shine at 11pm.
This will signal a moment of silence, during which people are encouraged to shine their phone torchlights in a moment of solidarity and respect for the Jewish community.
