A fireworks show renowned as the world’s best will form the centrepiece of the stunning Sydney New Year’s Eve spectacle to ring in a new decade.
More than 100,000 fireworks will create a ‘pyrotechnicolour’ extravaganza synchronised to an all-Aussie soundtrack, stunning pylon projections and the brightest lighting beam in the southern hemisphere.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said 2019 Sydney New Year’s Eve would be an exhibition of Australia’s extraordinary creative talents to the one million people watching around the harbour and more than one billion people viewing around the world.
“Our New Year’s Eve celebrations have become world renowned and synonymous with our city, but we can also proudly boast that they’re all-Australian,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Whether it’s our fireworks, lighting effects, Calling Country ceremony or midnight soundtrack, we’re showing the world that we have some of the best global creative talents.
“Fortunato Foti and his team never cease to amaze us with their stunning fireworks and I very much look forward to seeing what they’ve got planned this year.”
It’s the 23rd consecutive Sydney New Year’s Eve for Foti International Fireworks, who put on one of the most technologically advanced fireworks displays in the world.
More than 100,000 individual effects will form what Fireworks Director Fortunato Foti is calling a ‘pyrotechnicolour’ extravaganza to welcome 2020.
“It doesn’t matter your age, gender, race or religion – fireworks have the enormous power to unite people, bringing happiness and hope,” Mr Foti said.
A Foti International Fireworks pyrotechnician, lowers a pyrotechnic into it’s mortar on a barge located next to White Bay Image: City Of Sydney
“This year we’ll be firing from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and seven barges around the harbour, with exciting new effects like colour changing stars, stained-glass shells and glittering willows.
“We’ve synchronised our fireworks to the soundtrack, pylon projections and lighting display for what is going to be our most choreographed show to date.”
The Lord Mayor said all of Sydney had been deeply saddened by the tragic impact of the bushfires, and pledged to use New Year’s Eve to help raise money and awareness for those in need.
“Sydney New Year’s Eve unites people from all over the world with a message of hope for the year to come,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We have committed to harnessing the enormous power of the event to raise more money for drought and fire affected communities, with money going to the Australian Red Cross.”
Visitors to Sydney and those watching at home will be encouraged to donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, supporting those impacted by bushfires.
The City of Sydney recently donated $300,000 to the Red Cross, alongside $300,000 to the Country Women’s Association and $20,000 to Wires to support people, communities and wildlife that have been affected by drought and bushfire.
Australian Red Cross acting director NSW/ACT, Annie Harvey, thanked the City of Sydney for its donation and urged New Year’s Eve visitors and viewers to dig deep.
“We thank Lord Mayor Clover Moore for encouraging community members to make a donation to Australian Red Cross’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund this New Year’s Eve,” Ms Harvey said.
Sydney NYE2019 Fireworks Director, Fortunato Foti, Sydney NYE2019 Head Of Audience, Tanya Goldberg & Australian Red Cross Acting Director NSW/ACT, Annie Harvey at White Bay Image: City Of Sydney
“People across Sydney and Australia have been deeply moved by the scale of losses with the recent spate of bushfires, and it has inspired extraordinary acts of kindness and an outpouring of support.
“Making a donation to Red Cross’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund means our trained volunteers and staff can be on the frontlines during disasters, including the bushfires we’re currently seeing, and those yet to come.
“It enables us to help give people the support they need – whether that’s help to prepare, a safe place to take shelter, psychological first aid or practical support through the months and even years it can take to recover. The vast majority of our team are volunteers.”
Donations can be made to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund at nye.sydney/donate
The Refugee Council of Australia is the official charity partner of 2019 Sydney New Year’s Eve.
They’re urging Australians to make a resolution that counts and sign up to make 2020 the Year of Welcome.
By signing up, you are joining a movement of thousands of people around Australia welcoming refugees and people who come to Australia seeking protection. To sign up, visit: yearofwelcome.org
Sydney New Year’s Eve 2019 could be the 3rd edition of the event ever & the 1st edition in 31 years to be cancelled if ‘catastrophic’ fire danger is forecast tomorrow afternoon.
The last time Sydney New Year’s Eve was cancelled completely was in 1987 & 1988 due to rising violence that culminated with a mass murder in The Rocks during the 1986 edition. On NYE2002, the 9pm Family Fireworks were postponed to Australia Day (January 26) due to 90km/h winds and then was cancelled on January 24 due to a total fire ban, predicted extreme fire danger & out of respect for firefighters.
An internal e-mail, obtained by The Sunday Telegraph & dated the 27th of December, to the Northern Beaches Councillors from the Northern Beaches Council Executive Manager Of Community Engagement, Kath McKenzie, says a decision was made at a meeting of local governments, state government & the New South Wales Rural Fire Service just before 25 December:
The decision was that the City Of Sydney fireworks will go ahead unless catastrophic fire conditions are forecast.
In the situation where catastrophic fire conditions are declared, …all…will be cancelled.
However, a Rural Fire Service spokesman has told the Sydney Morning Herald it’s “highly unlikely” Sydney NYE2019 fireworks will have their exemption revoked.
“We are highly unlikely to see extreme or catastrophic fire warnings through Sydney. I would be surprised if they were cancelled,” the spokesman said, given the fire danger is likely to be ‘severe’ and the fireworks are over the Harbour and unlikely to spread to at-risk bush areas:
We are expecting a change to move through the state in the afternoon and early evening on New Year’s Eve, which may result in no total fire bans for New Year’s Day
However, Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said:
We are expecting the southerly change to move through the coast, impact into the Sydney basin around about 7 in the evening. We are mindful of the volatility of a southerly.
If I determine it to be too risky, that doesn’t concern me.
The pyrotechnics organisations and local authorities are used to working with us around exemptions in the summer period, whether it is Christmas, New Year or some other event.
They know the arrangements, the procedures, and we will work through to make sure that risk is appropriately addressed & where necessary, we won’t allow them to go ahead
Last time catastrophic fire conditions were forecast, which was 8 days ago, all aerial fireworks were banned.
"If the experts say it's safe to have the fireworks continue, well, we should do that. It sends a strong message to our communities" – @GladysB confirms Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks will go ahead unless catastrophic conditions declared. https://t.co/p9uIBUbah6#SydNYE#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/aMuReCJrom
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would take advice from the Rural Fire Service:
We’re elected on behalf of the community to protect our community, to protect our citizens but if there is no safety reason why those fireworks shouldn’t continue, we will proceed.
We are a hopeful, optimistic state
We are a resilient state
We appreciate that there is a lot of suffering in the community at the moment
I appreciate there’s a lot of anxiety in the community, there is a lot of fear, depending on where you live about what’s happening in the community at the moment but the best thing we can do is to stay strong and resilient … We will get through these times, as difficult as they are
If the RFS, if the experts, say it’s safe to have the fireworks continue, well, we should do that
I would support the efforts in keeping the fireworks going
Sydney is one of the first cities in the world welcoming in the New Year
If it is safe to do so, we should continue to do it as we have done every other year
I think it is important to send a message to the world, so long as it is safe to do so … we will keep doing what we do normally
The Sunday Telegraph understood that fire trucks would be stationed at headlands & bushland vantage points around the Harbour throughout NYE.
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, today said:
I think it is important to send a message to the world, so long as it is safe to do so – we will take the advice of the Rural Fire Service as we do every year – as long as it is safe to do so. We will keep doing what we do normally.
On New Year’s Eve the world looks at Sydney. Every single year and they look at our vibrancy, they look at our passion, they look at our success, and they all think to themselves, ‘What an amazing place’.
They are right and so in the midst of the challenges that we have faced, subject to the safety considerations, I can think of no better time to express to the world just how optimistic and positive we are as a country
We appreciate the concerns people have around holding the event while large parts of Australia are dealing with bushfires and drought. And we’ve heard the calls from people to cancel the event and donate the budget to relief efforts.
But we cannot cancel the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Even if we could, it would have little practical benefit for affected communities.
We began preparations and planning for the New Year’s Eve celebrations 15 months ago. This means most of the budget – largely used for crowd safety and cleaning measures – has already been spent.
Cancelling the event would seriously hurt Sydney businesses. It would also ruin plans for tens of thousands of people from across the country and overseas who have booked flights, hotels and restaurants to be here for New Year’s Eve.
Planning for weather conditions
The City of Sydney works closely with NSW Government agencies such as the Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Health, NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW in the lead-up to Sydney New Year’s Eve.
If a total fire ban is declared, we will continue to liaise with NSW Government agencies and the NSW Rural Fire Service to determine the safest way to proceed with the event.
In the event of high winds, we will assess the conditions with Fireworks Director Fortunato Foti.
We encourage all visitors to Sydney for New Year’s Eve to be mindful of the conditions and how they could impact on their health.
Watched by millions
The display is watched by a billion people worldwide, showcasing Sydney to the world as a safe, inclusive and attractive place to visit.
Sydney New Year’s Eve generates $130 million for the NSW economy and super charges our tourism industry, creating jobs and supporting countless small businesses.
The City of Sydney works closely with NSW Government agencies such as the Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Health, NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW in the lead up to the event.
We will continue to discuss weather and safety issues such as smoke haze, and how we will manage them, as we get closer to the event date.
Fundraising
Rather than cancelling the event, we’ve donated $620,000 to support communities and wildlife impacted by bushfire and drought, and offered our trucks and staff to help emergency services with clean-up and recovery efforts.
The event will also support our official charity partner, the Refugee Council of Australia, as we begin 2020: The Year of Welcome.
Carbon offset
The City of Sydney’s fireworks will be carbon offset. They are also biodegradable to reduce waste and environmental impact.
The event will also be greener this year, with our sites and operations using 100 per cent accredited GreenPower.
This year we will buy GreenPower certificates to the equivalent of our energy use.
These will cover 10 sites across the city, including Bicentennial and Pirrama parks and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The certificates will support the production of renewable energy at Sapphire Wind Farm in northern NSW.
All City of Sydney-owned properties will use energy bought with GreenPower certificates from 1 July 2020, supporting energy generated by Sapphire Wind Farm and two other renewable energy projects.
Fortunato Foti, fireworks director for Sydney NYE2019, at White Bay, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, said safety was a top priority:
Wind plays an integral part in what we do and don’t do
With a system that we use for firing the show, we’re able to reduce different types of fireworks, depending on what priority we’re given as far as the worst case scenario, so we’re able to dial it down that way.
The show would still continue, but with different elements taken out of it to reduce any risks if necessary – and that’s purely on a wind situation
The City Of Sydney also told various sources that the fireworks “are going ahead as planned”, regardless of conditions, saying scrapping the show would ultimately do more harm than good.
Lord Mayor of the City Of Sydney, Clover Moore, said all of Sydney had been “deeply saddened” by the impact of the bushfires & if there was a total fire ban on New Year’s Eve the City Of Sydney would “do what we need to do”.
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve unites people from all over the world with a message of hope for the year to come.
We have committed to harnessing the enormous power of the event to raise more money for drought and fire-affected communities, with money going to the Australian Red Cross
Also at White Bay, Sydney New Year’s Eve Head Of Audience, Tanya Goldberg, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, said that the City Of Sydney was liaising with the New South Wales Department Of Premier and Cabinet, Bureau of Meteorology, Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service & NSW Health, she was “speaking daily” to fire departments & that a “total fire ban exemption would be allowed”:
Like everyone, we at the City of Sydney are deeply affected by what we’ve been seeing over these last months
But we are of the firm view that Sydney New Year’s Eve should not be cancelled
At this point the fireworks are proceeding as planned
Safety is our top priority and our paramount concern as we strive to deliver the event as planned.
Extreme weather requires an appropriate response
There are of course mixed views but a lot them have indicated they want to see the fireworks continue
Preparations for these celebrations began 15 months ago, which means most of the budget, largely used for crowd safety, has already been spent
Cancelling would have little practical benefit for devastated communities
Cancelling would seriously hurt Sydney businesses particularly in the wake of reports of a weaker retail season & would also ruin plans for tens of thousands of people who have come from across the country and overseas who have made their plans, booked their flights, hotels and restaurants & other arrangements for Sydney New Year’s Eve
The opportunity to come together & celebrate what is good, to express hope, a little happiness and sense of togetherness is arguably even more important than ever
Links to the online fundraiser will be projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons it was announced today.
More than 86% of people were in favour of abandoning Sydney NYE2019 in favour of donating the funds to farmers in a survey conducted by The Daily Mail Australia.
We again advise people who have brought tickets for Sydney NYE events to check their refund policies in the event the iconic fireworks are cancelled or postponed to Australia Day as the City Of Sydney is the official organiser providing the fireworks for free. Tickets are usually only refunded if the actual function you are attending is cancelled or below par – not if the fireworks are cancelled or below par.Pirrama Park Wharf is probably the only exception to this so far. People who have bought tickets in National Park areas especially should be cautious. Keep an eye on the news over the 3 days for any bushfire-related updates.
The NSW Police Force is encouraging the community to plan ahead and consider the many options available for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney for 2019.
With significant crowds expected to celebrate the start of 2020 by taking in the spectacular fireworks displays around Sydney Harbour, police are urging revellers to start considering plans for their night now, to avoid disappointment.
Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing APM, said police have been working closely with City of Sydney, landowners and other government agencies to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and fun New Year’s Eve.
“Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the state’s largest event and police will be out in force across the city and around New South Wales prioritising safety, to ensure family and friends can enjoy the celebrations,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
“Police will work side-by-side with other agencies in the Police Operations Centre and Government Coordination Centre, to coordinate our people and resources on the ground.
“There will be a significant number of police – both uniformed and plain-clothed – patrolling the CBD and foreshore areas from Tuesday morning until the party precincts have safely emptied on New Year’s Day.
“Specialist police resources will also be deployed across the event footprint, patrolling our waterways and transport hubs, while PolAir keep an eye on things from the sky, to ensure a safe and secure event for everyone involved.
“Police will not tolerate dangerous, criminal or anti-social behaviour, so anyone caught putting other people’s lives at risk, or spoiling the fun for others, will be dealt with swiftly.
“We want everyone to enjoy the start to the new year and the key to doing so safely is to act responsibly, look after your friends and family and know your limits,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
“This year, a number of popular vantage points are ticketed-only events and police will monitor crowd numbers closely and sites will be closed as soon as they reach capacity to prevent overcrowding.
“The public are advised to listen to authorities, including police and venue security, who will be providing directions to ensure crowds move safely and efficiently to each of the vantage points.
“We have previously seen sites reach capacity and close early, so we are urging people to arrive early, just in case you have to make your way to another viewing location.
“Public transport is the best option for anyone planning to head into the city, as there will be extensive road closures and special-event clearways in place throughout the event.
“This year the light rail will also be operating to help crowds move into the city, however there will be changes to regular services, so please check the timetable in advance.
“If you must drive, please be patient, be aware of pedestrians and as always do not drink or drug drive,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
Hot weather is expected over the next few days, and police are urging revellers to keep informed on the conditions, look after their health and remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)
2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)
3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)
4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).
For comprehensive event details, and to plan your journey to a vantage point, visit: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
Australian Red Cross has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will raise funds for its work in disaster relief and recovery in its first ever New Year’s Eve Broadcast Appeal.
Director of Australian Programs Noel Clement says funds raised will go to Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, to help Red Cross teams give people the support they need in emergencies.
“The partnership with Australia’s national emergency services broadcaster will result in much-needed support for those in the worst-affected communities,” he says.
“ABC audiences have proved to be incredibly generous in the past when they have partnered with us to seek funds for our work,” Mr Clement says. “The ABC’s decision to mount an appeal across its TV, radio and digital platforms will reach an audience of more than four million people in Australia and many millions more where people access the ABC in more than 80 countries internationally.
“People have been deeply moved by the scale of the losses in the recent disasters and want to do what they can to help. They can be assured that by supporting our work in disaster relief and recovery we can continue to be there where and when they happen.
“Their donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery helps our emergency teams to do their work – including the bushfires and heatwaves we’re currently seeing, and disasters yet to come. It also currently includes recovery programs, practical support and emergency grants in communities affected by the recent bushfires.”
People will be able to donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery work at www.redcross.org.au/NYE or 1800 RED CROSS.
2020 is now just around the corner and unfortunately many Australians have faced devastating months of bushfires, droughts and floods.
ABC and the City of Sydney are pleased to announce that we will welcome the new decade in the spirit of love, community and togetherness by partnering with Australian Red Cross on a joint appeal for disaster relief and recovery across the country.
Hosts Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering will be driving the callout for donations as they host our Party of the Decades concert, live from the Sydney Opera House, starring some of Australia’s top performers. Soulful singer-songwriter Marlon Williams, the Cruel Seas Tex Perkins, Augie March guitarist, singer-songwriter Glenn Richards, American rapper Aloe Blacc, rock chick Natalie Foster, Jazz bassist Steve Kilby and legendary musician Russell ‘The Real Thing’ Morris are all on board.
They will join previously announced artists, Kate Miller-Heidke, Phil Jamieson, Vika and Linda Bull, Angie Hart, Mojo Juju, Adrian Eagle and Casey Donovan as they perform the memorable songs from recent decades. From the rock-n ’roll classics of the 60s, to the high tempo disco hits of the 70s and present-day classics – the hits will keep coming.
But before they rock the main stage, families can enjoy the New Year’s Eve House Party with music, games and dancing! Hosted by Susie Youssef and Nazeem Hussain and featuring performances from Baker Boy, Regurgitator and Shonen Knife, this New Year’s Eve show will have everything you need to get the party started from the comfort of your own home. Expect celebrity appearances, some of your favourite ABC Kids and ABC Me stars and a countdown that will travel the country before the fireworks light up the sky in celebration at 9pm.
Funds raised on the night will enable Red Cross to continue its important disaster relief and recovery work, giving people the support they need in emergencies, including the bushfires and disasters yet to come. The Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund currently includes recovery programs, practical support and emergency grants in communities affected by the recent bushfires.
A selection of contemporary and classic songs by Australian artists will ring out as Sydney celebrates 2020 at the world’s best New Year’s Eve party.
Viewers watching at home will be treated to an all-Aussie midnight soundtrack featuring Tina Arena, Crowded House, Peking Duk, Sia, Fisher and more.
2020 will open with a song from Aboriginal Australian duo Electric Fields, who are also creating a bespoke soundtrack for the midnight fireworks to be played online.
The 9pm family fireworks will feature fun and bouncy party tracks by the likes of Calvin Harris, Pink and Vanessa Amorosi.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the eyes and ears of the world will be on Sydney for the midnight fireworks.
“Whether it’s the midnight fireworks, lighting displays, pylon projections or music – we are celebrating all things Australian this New Year’s Eve,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is our most choreographed event to date, with music synchronised to the fireworks and lighting effects that will create a stunning spectacle.
“There’s something for everyone in the soundtrack that will no doubt have viewers dancing in their living rooms.”
The soundtrack was selected and mixed by Sydney DJ Dan Murphy.
Sydneysiders can tune in to the 2019 Sydney New Year’s Eve soundtrack at 9pm and midnight accompanying the televised coverage on ABC and iview, or simulcast with media partner KIIS-FM 1065.
The event will be livestreamed on sydneynewyearseve.com and ABC TV’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Lord Mayor said all of Sydney had been deeply saddened by the tragic impact of the bushfires, and pledged to use New Year’s Eve to help raise money and awareness for those in need.
“Sydney New Year’s Eve unites people from all over the world with a message of hope for the year to come.
“We will harness the enormous power of the event to raise more money for the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
“We encourage all people who visit our city on New Year’s Eve and those watching at home to donate to the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund in our online fundraiser.”
The City of Sydney has already donated $620,000 to drought and bushfire relief, and will provide trucks, staff and other in-kind support to assist emergency services with recovery and clean-up efforts.
The world’s most beautiful harbour city will take centre stage this Australia Day, with the NSW Government set to put on a spectacular show of colour and activity as we celebrate and reflect on our national day.
January 26 is a day that means different things to different people – and that’s part of the rich fabric of the day.
The 2020 program is jam-packed with free and fun events – there is something for everyone, and we encourage everyone to experience what’s on offer around the state.
As the sun rises, connect with the world’s oldest living culture. Begin your Australia Day at Sydney’s Barangaroo Reserve by experiencing the WugulOra Morning Ceremony that includes a traditional smoking ritual, reflections from community leaders, together with dances and songs performed by renowned Indigenous talent. The ceremony features the National Anthem sung in both English and Eora, the local Sydney Aboriginal language.
Then it’s on to cheer the incredible competitors in the Oz Day 10K Wheelchair Race as they speed through The Rocks and Circular Quay. Throughout the day, soak up the festival atmosphere at the various outdoor entertainment precincts throughout the city where there’s live music and food to taste from around the world.
Sydney’s dazzling harbour is at is busiest on Australia Day with so many vantage points to see all the action including the Australia Day Harbour Parade and the impressive 21-gun ‘Salute to Australia’ performed by the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.
As the sun sets, the unforgettable Australia Day Live kicks into action across Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House forecourt. The tantalising spectacle of entertainment includes musical performances by top Aussie talent choreographed to sensational pyrotechnics, a flotilla of yachts, jet-ski displays, the Tug and Yacht Ballet and a tribute to opera. Free tickets for Australia Day Live at Sydney Opera House will be released on 15 January 2020 at www.australiaday.com.au.
To celebrate our diversity and inclusion, the state-wide program is brimming with events for people of all ages, backgrounds and areas of interest. No matter where you celebrate Australia Day, we encourage everyone to explore what’s happening in their community and take part in the special activities on offer.
The City Of Sydney have today issued a statement on their official Sydney New Year’s Eve website defiantly titled as a whole webpage, Why We’re Not Cancelling The Fireworks.
It comes after a bushfire emergency in various locations along the Great Dividing Range started in early September as well as a drought that started in winter. Both weather events haven’t stopped since, resulting in petitions starting up in mid-November calling for the cancellation of Sydney NYE2019 and shifting the funds to bushfire/drought relief.
The statement’s wording also is similar to previous responses by the City Of Sydney & it’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore. However, there are some new details – most notably, about the City Of Sydney & Sydney NYE2019’s carbon offsets & that weather/safety management of Sydney NYE2019 will be addressed closer to the event.
Also yesterday on their website, they also issued the official event guides for Sydney NYE2019, which are in multiple languages & formats.
We appreciate the concerns people have around holding the event while large parts of Australia are dealing with bushfires and drought. And we’ve heard the calls from people to cancel the event and donate the budget to relief efforts.
We appreciate the concerns people have around holding the event while large parts of Australia are dealing with bushfires and drought. And we’ve heard the calls from people to cancel the event and donate the budget to relief efforts.
But we cannot cancel the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Even if we could, it would have little practical benefit for affected communities.
We began preparations and planning for the New Year’s Eve celebrations 15 months ago. This means most of the budget – largely used for crowd safety and cleaning measures – has already been spent.
Cancelling the event would seriously hurt Sydney businesses. It would also ruin plans for tens of thousands of people from across the country and overseas who have booked flights, hotels and restaurants to be here for New Year’s Eve.
Watched by millions
The display is watched by a billion people worldwide, showcasing Sydney to the world as a safe, inclusive and attractive place to visit.
Sydney New Year’s Eve generates $130 million for the NSW economy and super charges our tourism industry, creating jobs and supporting countless small businesses.
The City of Sydney works closely with NSW Government agencies such as the Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Health, NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW in the lead up to the event.
We will continue to discuss weather and safety issues such as smoke haze, and how we will manage them, as we get closer to the event date.
Fundraising
Rather than cancelling the event, we’ve donated $620,000 to support communities and wildlife impacted by bushfire and drought, and offered our trucks and staff to help emergency services with clean-up and recovery efforts.
The event will also support our official charity partner, the Refugee Council of Australia, as we begin 2020: The Year of Welcome.
Carbon offset
The City of Sydney’s fireworks will be carbon offset. They are also biodegradable to reduce waste and environmental impact.
The event will also be greener this year, with our sites and operations using 100 per cent accredited GreenPower.
This year we will buy GreenPower certificates to the equivalent of our energy use.
These will cover 10 sites across the city, including Bicentennial and Pirrama parks and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The certificates will support the production of renewable energy at Sapphire Wind Farm in northern NSW.
All City of Sydney-owned properties will use energy bought with GreenPower certificates from 1 July 2020, supporting energy generated by Sapphire Wind Farm and two other renewable energy projects.
In her response, she confirms that the bushfire appeal will be promoted on the official broadcasts ensuring global promotion of the bushfire emergency and the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Recovery & Relief Fund. She also confirms it will be promoted at the event on the night of New Year’s Eve as well as through marketing materials.
This means Sydneysiders from the City Of Sydney local government area are highly likely to be part of this 70,000 signature increase on the petitions.
The petitions we believe will warrant State Government attention if they reach 370,000 signatures. They are only 41% there currently.
If Sydney NYE was held today, well you wouldn’t be seeing much of the fireworks. This is the Sydney Harbour Bridge today. You can just see the northern pylons in the centre-lower-left of the photograph:
In 2001, the last time Sydney NYE faced a similar outrage (but not on this scale), the City Of Sydney stated the fireworks would go ahead if air quality is 10 times worse than normal. Normal, not ‘hazardous levels’.
However, air quality was up to 11 times hazardous levels today. Based on the current air quality index, hazardous is an index of 200. If we define ‘normal’ as the maximum for ‘good’ levels (That is, an index of 60), the fireworks would still go ahead at an index of 660, which is in the ‘hazardous’ level, the highest level, which has no maximum index limit.
But the air quality is a lot higher today than that. Up to 2200 around midday. That is really hazardous.
However, whilst air quality is currently the 2nd biggest concern to the event, it is too early to say whether it will affect the event. It will all come down to conditions on the day. The smoke may have cleared by then. However, the few days leading up to the event will give a good indicator of what it will be like.
Last Saturday, that night’s Darling Harbour fireworks , which are held weekly, were cancelled due to low visibility.
If you are a visitor for Sydney NYE & are concerned about air quality levels around NYE, you can sign up to an account to get air quality alerts via e-mail or SMS here or by reading the air quality forecast here on the 30th of December.
Again, we advise people who have brought tickets for Sydney NYE events to check their refund policies in the event the iconic fireworks are cancelled or postponed to Australia Day as the City Of Sydney is the official organiser providing the fireworks for free. Tickets are usually only refunded if the actual function you are attending is cancelled or below par – not if the fireworks are cancelled or below par.Pirrama Park Wharf is probably the only exception to this so far. People who have bought tickets in National Park areas especially should be cautious. Keep an eye on the news in the week before NYE for any bushfire-related updates.
The City Of Sydney will be addressing the air quality issue in regards to Sydney NYE later this week.
Change.org has been contacted for queries.
Disclaimer: Sydney Spectaculars is not associated with Sydney New Year’s Eve organisers, the City Of Sydney, nor Australia Day In Sydney organisers, NSW Government Department Of Premier & Cabinet. As of writing, the fireworks are still planned to go ahead.
This post updates.
Lord Mayor of the City Of Sydney, Clover Moore’s response (from Change.org):
Dear petition signers,
I have been moved by the outpouring of support and care the community has shown for those affected by the bushfires.
While we’ve seen some of the worst of extreme fire, we’ve also seen the best of humanity – NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers rushed to protect people and property, and communities have come together to look after each other.
And many, including you, have looked for ways governments can further support those doing it really tough at this time. I appreciate your calls to cancel our New Year’s Eve fireworks and reallocate the funding to bushfire relief.
I also share your deep sympathies and recently directed Council to donate over $600,000 to bushfire and drought relief, as well as sending our trucks and staff to help emergency services with clean-up and recovery efforts.
Our fireworks are planned 15 months in advance and most of the budget – which is largely allocated to crowd safety and cleaning measures – has already been spent. And with just weeks to go, many have already booked hotels and restaurants and planned their trip to watch the fireworks. This event generates $130 million for the state economy, which helps many people.
I know this isn’t exactly what you would like to be hearing from me, but we can’t cancel the fireworks and even if we could, doing so would have little practical benefit.
Over the last fortnight however we, as a Council, have been moved to do more.
We have committed to harnessing the enormous power of the event, which brings a million people together around our harbour, to raise more money for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
In all marketing materials, during the broadcast and on the night, we will be reminding those who visit our harbour and who watch at home to give generously.
The event will also support our existing charity partner, the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), as we commence 2020: The Year of Welcome.
The City’s fireworks will be carbon offset, and are biodegradable in order to reduce waste and environmental impact.
New Year’s Eve unites people from all over the world with a message of hope for the year to come. I’m glad that this event will do that while helping support those in need.
As we reflect on the tragic devastation of the bushfires, we have to acknowledge that successive Federal Governments have shamefully presided over a failed climate policies. Australia’s emissions have been going up since 2014 and these bushfires are just one of the recent extreme weather events made worse by catastrophic climate change
Earlier this year the City declared a Climate Emergency, calling on the Federal Government to reintroduce a price on carbon to meet the Paris Agreement emissions reduction targets, and establishing a Just Transition Authority to ensure Australians employed in fossil fuel industries find appropriate alternate employment.
We have also recently signed a contract to use 100% renewable electricity from July next year, and will reduce our emissions by 70% on 2006 levels by 2024, four years ahead of schedule.
As long as I am Lord Mayor I will lead a Council committed to taking real and meaningful climate action, and I will continue to push State and Federal Governments to do the same.
It also accelerated petition signing on cancelling Sydney NYE2019 and shifting it’s funds to bushfire/drought recovery. The now largest petition (there are quite a few petitions) going from 40,000 signatures to 81,000 signatures in 5 days.
Though the fires have been nearly non-stop since September in New South Wales, since mid-November, the worst fire danger period so far, there has been an unusually high number of calls in the community for the cancellation of fireworks displays in light of the bushfires & drought.
Subsequently, local government debates have broken out and many upcoming fireworks displays around the state have been cancelled including Darling Harbour’s weekly fireworks, which were cancelled 3 times in the past month. Twice out of respect and the 3rd due to poor visibility. Some New Year’s Eve displays around the state have also been cancelled.
However, Sydney NYE2019 has not yet been cancelled. The show is still on.
However, this wasn’t the major feature of the media launch, which was held on a day slightly covered by bushfire smoke and a few days before the nearby ‘mega-fire’ was formed, so bushfire media coverage was lower than in mid-November, though still the main news story.
The City Of Sydney has been contacted for comment.
Analysis/Opinion
Petitions
Due to the nearby ‘mega-fire’ coinciding with this petition signing acceleration, this should indicate most of these new signatures are from Sydneysiders though not necessarily from the City Of Sydney local government area. There are 30 local government areas in Sydney.
Petitions calling for Sydney NYE’s cancellation are nothing new. There are a frequent occurrence but with the extreme fire danger over the past few months and the worst conditions yet to come over the next 3 months & high media interest, the possibility for controversy or cancellation is heightened for the rest of the year.
The Media Launch
At the upcoming edition’s media launch, the media’s focus was on the calls for cancellation & the City Of Sydney had a great chance to show they really care more about the bushfires instead of the party. However, whilst briefly pointing out the donations they’ve made & the bushfire appeal partnership they’ve set up, they didn’t take this opportunity instead putting the party front & centre. The City Of Sydney grasping the media launch’s opportunity to make the bushfire appeal front and centre of the event this year was completely missed with minimum coverage of the appeal but great coverage of the event & the calls for it’s cancellation.
This is evident as our article about Clover Moore’s social media announcement of a bushfire appeal on the 19th of November was significantly more read than any of the media releases published from the media launch, which was mostly a generic announcement (though it did contain some newsworthy information such as new fireworks & the ‘brightest beam in the Southern Hemisphere’). It should be pointed out the media didn’t include the Lord Mayor’s social media announcement in the news on the 20th of November. They only mentioned it during the media launch headlines on the 3rd of December.
The next major media event is not until after Boxing Day (26th of December). Who knows what the bushfires/public opinion will be like by then. Hopefully the bushfires are out by then but if they aren’t, hopefully the City Of Sydney respond better next time. It was at this event in 2004 that the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami NYE Appeal was launched (Mind you, that disaster happened 3 days prior). The lack of promotion at the media launch might have been an intentional move in the event the bushfires got worse & controversy grew stronger closer to the event so promoting the appeal closer to NYE would soften the controversy more and alert the public to the fund more as they are more attuned to the fast approaching NYE.
We’re not sure how the public will react if the City Of Sydney promote the fund more in late December. Will they be skeptical or thankful they are doing something? If the City Of Sydney puts a real effort in and also points out how much has been raised since the media launch or connected with the event, it may do well public relations-wise. A solid effort would include combining it with their official event broadcasts, which are mostly broadcast globally nowadays, plenty of promotion on the pylon projections and website (which there isn’t currently) as well as on the street with bucket gold coin collections and most importantly, reminders by the organisers & the Lord Mayor at the media events in the final week of 2019 as well as on New Year’s Day when hopefully we find out how much was raised.
Sydney NYE is a great opportunity to raise charitable funds if the effort is put in. $1.2 million was raised in 3 days in 2004 for the Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami. Imagine how much can be raised in 2019 with 5 days worth of publicity. Now all the hard work will have to be done in the final week of the year.
Maybe the City Of Sydney made the right call by focusing on the party whilst responding to the petitions via the mass media for the 1st time at the media launch and possibly focusing mostly on the bushfire appeal in 2019’s final week?
In the end, the pressure for cancellation is now at it’s highest since 1986 and whilst that may be the case now, precedent has not yet been broken for another cancellation.
The precedent HOPEfully to not be broken
This will come on the 27th of December (A possible date for the next media event), where it could be determined whether the bushfires are worse than Black Christmas, which was held in the midst of the 2001 edition, which coincidentally had an appropriate theme – something this year’s edition doesn’t have at all.
Black Christmas had 300,000 hectares burnt, 121 homes lost and zero death toll. It should be noted the 1993/1994 Eastern Seaboard Fires were slightly worse particularly as they circled Sydney completely isolating it from the rest of the world. However, Sydney NYE was just still mostly a local event back in 1993, not the internationally renowned event it is now so less fuss was made back then. Most importantly, the deaths in the 1993/1994 Eastern Seaboard Fires happened after NYE as far as we are aware.
The current bushfires have been nearly non-stop since September, burnt 2 million hectares, over 700 homes and killed 6 people & have just started burning on Sydney’s doorstep. However, the death toll of Black Christmas is the only factor that will prevent a cancellation as simply, it was 0, thankfully. We will detail the death toll precedent below.
Cancellation scenarios
If they are still burning (and not a new separate series of fires) close to Sydney or worse on the 27th of December, there are 3 major things that could cancel it. The most likely is poor weather conditions on the night. Whether it is a high fire danger resulting in a revoking of a total fire ban exemption or poor visibility or simply strong winds or a combination of these. With the worst air quality ever in Sydney currently, the weather forecast would be the talk of the town that week. Based on 2001 conditions, air quality 10 times worse than normal at least will still allow the fireworks to go ahead. In the event of a total fire ban exemption revoking or poor air quality, we’d assume an announcement would be made well in advance if it is obvious it can’t be held. However, we believe they will try and keep the event on as much as possible so crowds can be managed better on the night (crowd crush & violence prevention, that is). We don’t need the night to get any worse.
If only strong winds arrive during the night, the fireworks could still be cancelled at the last minute though. This is an annual problem. In that event, the 9pm Family Fireworks could be postponed to a time no later than 10:30pm (or to Australia Day) while the Midnight Fireworks would be cancelled outright on the night but may also be postponed to Australia Day but not held at Midnight.
The 2nd but very unlikely thing for cancellation would be the bushfires’ death toll. The death toll, if the fires continue and the toll doesn’t change, is currently at 6. This, as sad as it is, wouldn’t justify cancellation. Cancellation would only be considered if the death toll is dramatically high – higher than about 280 (0.003% of NSW population), which is higher than Black Saturday – Australia’s worst disaster. This is based on the precedent set in 2004 when the event was still held despite the recent international tragedy, the Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami, which killed 227,898 people (0.003% of humanity).
The last but unlikely thing for cancellation is mounting political pressure. However, based on previous years, politicians won’t buckle unless the Rural Fire Service says no or the bushfires’ death toll is simply too high as stated above.
And obviously, while the event costs around $6 million (fireworks max $2 million), the event does return $133 million to the ‘local’ economy so to politicians, economically, the event is a good option to hold. It is also a carbon neutral event. The event can do more good than harm in regards to the bushfires. Lord Mayor Clover Moore, as stated earlier, has also announced a bushfire appeal, which would be publicised globally.
A dramatic death toll increase as stated above or the Rural Fire Service advising against the fireworks would be the main things for politicians’ to cancel the event. Another detail which will detail in the final section is the lack of appropriate theming this year to accommodate bushfires like it coincidentally did in 2001. It may be simply be seen too distasteful by year’s end to hold the world’s most iconic NYE party.
REALITY
In the end, it depends more closer to the event – that final week of 2019 – if is suitable to host the event based on weather conditions and most importantly, the bushfires’ death toll (if the bushfires are still raging). The ‘party’ feel of this non-themed edition would be most awkward if bushfires are surrounding Sydney or another Black Saturday occurs. Cancellation may seem a suitable option simply out of respect. There isn’t a ‘country’ theme this year that can act as a gentle tribute, dedication or reminder of/to the firefighters and rural citizens. It’s now just party, party, party.
In the end, strong winds are still currently the greatest threat to Sydney NYE2019. Bushfires won’t be a concern to the City Of Sydney until just before Christmas Eve.
Again, we advise people who have brought tickets for Sydney NYE events to check their refund policies in the event the iconic fireworks are cancelled or postponed to Australia Day as the City Of Sydney is the official organiser providing the fireworks for free. Tickets are usually only refunded if the actual function you are attending is cancelled or below par – not if the fireworks are cancelled or below par.Pirrama Park Wharf is probably the only exception to this so far. People who have bought tickets in National Park areas especially should be cautious. Keep an eye on the news in the week before NYE for any bushfire-related updates.
This post updates.
Disclaimer: Sydney Spectaculars is not associated with Sydney New Year’s Eve organisers, the City Of Sydney, nor Australia Day In Sydney organisers, NSW Government Department Of Premier & Cabinet. As of writing, the fireworks are still planned to go ahead.
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