In what will be one of the most spectacular & moving Sydney Harbour Bridge effects yet, a specially choreographed ‘Welcome To Country’ will be projected on the Bridge’s pylons, making the entire structure a message of hope for 2016.
Red fireworks will cascade off the Bridge like a waterfall while yellow flares erupt through the Bridge & the black night sky hangs above the world-famous ‘coat-hanger’ structure to complete the effect, turning the Bridge into a giant Aboriginal flag.
“I’m thrilled the City is honouring Sydney’s First Peoples with this beautiful ‘Welcome To Country’ that will be watched by millions in Australia & across the world,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Our theme this year is ‘City Of Colour’ – it’s a recognition of the wonderful diversity of this city & with this powerful ‘Welcome To Country’ we are celebrating the talent, culture & creativity of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Rhoda Roberts, the creative director behind the ‘Welcome To Country’, said the imagery includes natural landscapes & the flora and fauna symbols of local clan totems as this cultural practice – a custom of ensuring protection – continues today.
“This year’s Sydney New Year’s Eve ‘Welcome To Country’ celebrates the connection that Australia’s First Peoples have with the land in a way that’s inclusive & fun,” Ms Roberts said.
“It was a challenge to show our ever-adapting culture using contemporary elements like pylon projections & pyrotechnics but I think everyone will be enthralled on the night.”
Nathan Moran, CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) said the organisation was delighted with the ‘Welcome To Country’ on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
“We are deeply honoured & overjoyed that the Sydney New Year’s Eve celebration will have a specific focus on respecting the First Nations Australians of Sydney Harbour – the Gadigal, Wangal & Gamaragal clans of the Eora Nation,” said Mr Moran.
“It’s in the best interests of all Australians to celebrate Australia’s First Nations culture as the heart & soul of a united Australia.”
“The City Of Sydney involved the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council right from the design stage of the ‘Welcome To Country’ & we believe this is a template that all organisations should learn from for effectively working with First Nations people.”
“We believe this Sydney New Year’s Eve will be the most embracing celebration yet.”
Sydney New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest annual celebrations in the world, attracting 1 million spectators along the Sydney Harbour foreshore & a global audience of 1 billion.
People coming into the city tonight have a range of tools to help them plan a safe & enjoyable night, including the Sydney New Year’s Eve 2015 – ‘City Of Colour‘ Telstra App and the City’s official Sydney New Year’s Eve 2015 – ‘City Of Colour‘ website featuring an interactive vantage point map, accessibility & live transport and road closure information.
Those who want to party at home can tune into ABC TV’s broadcast, listen to 104.1 2DayFM’s live fireworks soundtracks or watch the live stream on ‘Telstra Presents’’s YouTube channel.
For up-to-the-minute information on tonight’s celebrations, follow the hashtag #SydNYE & @cityofsydney on Twitter.
For more information on Sydney New Year’s Eve 2015 – ‘City Of Colour‘, visit sydneynewyearseve.com.
Media Release: City Of Sydney
Sydney Spectaculars 