Bondi Icebergs, Catalina, The Island: New Year’s Day parties kick off with a bang
A swath of local and international socialites have been celebrating the first of January across the city. See inside their swanky New Year’s Day parties.
Confidential
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Before the pandemic clipped our wings, January 1 was arguably the biggest party day of the Sydney social year.
Now, with life back to relative normality, the New Year’s Day Party circuit has smashed its way into a new year yet again with a bang.
From the iconic Bondi Icebergs to Catalina Rose Bay, The Island on the harbour and Field Day at The Domain, celebrities, socialites and prominent business and sporting identities were out in force to celebrate the first day of 2023.
It was in fact the last hurrah for Maurice Terzini at Icebergs in the sense that he is calling an end to two decades of ringing in the new year overlooking Bondi Beach.
“After the lockouts and after Covid I think that it is really important that everyone just celebrates,” he said.
“We want to eat well, we want to drink well and we want to have fun.”
Among those celebrating at Icebergs were Braith Anasta, Connie Mitchell, Kurtley Beale, Zac Stenmark, Charlotte Best and Pip Edwards.
New Zealand model Georgia Fowler was also out to party, attending with fiance Nathan Dalah.
“It really is like no place else in the world,” Fowler said.
“I couldn’t not come, it is my first and last Icebergs New Year. We are out with a bang.”
British fashion designer Henry Holland was excited to be celebrating the new year at beautiful Bondi.
“This is my favourite place on the planet, apart from London obviously,” he said.
“I come here as often as I can. I’ve been at loads of different times of the year but never at Christmas and New Year. I’m loving it.”
Retired league star Braith Anasta said he had to “make it a big one” given it was Terzini’s last New Year’s Day bash while Rugby player Kurtley Beale attended with wife Maddi.
“My wife and I love getting down here on a beautiful sunny day,” Beale said.
“It is always special to bring in a new year with your loved ones and just have a great day. As you get older, you appreciate the day more than the night time party, that is the way I look at it. Hopefully it brings good omens for the year.”
Sneaky Sound System, fronted by Connie Mitchell, were the headline act at Icebergs. The group has a long association with Terzini and the venue.
“Never say never but it is always good to try new things,” Mitchell said of the 20 year run of the party.
Elsewhere in the city, the annual Field Day festival sees many thousands of music lovers descend on Sydney’s Domain to catch their favourite acts.
The line-up this year includes Diplo, Bicep, Tkay Maidza, Benee, Yung Lean and Mike Dimes.
At Catalina, Anna and Tim Robards were among the revellers while superstar Aussie model Shanina Shaik and top DJ Georgia Sinclair were also on hand.
The Catalina bash was headlined by international DJ Dr Packer with the likes of Mumma Megs and DJ Cadell performing through the day.
The event is put on each year by Catalina’s James McMahon and Kate Dalgairns.
“Sydney is known for its New Year’s Day parties,” Dalgairns said. “You dress up, you go out, the sun is shining, you’re on the harbour, what could be better?”
LA-based Shaik meanwhile is in Australia to spend Christmas and the New Year with her family.
“I really feel like starting the New Year off really good and happy, enjoying the day in the sun is the best way to start a new year,” she said.
On The Island, Muma World designers Saskia Wotton and David Frim joined forces with legendary party duo Julian Tobias and Adam Abrams with a smashing line-up of performances including Rich Penny, HAZXX (stage name of Ksubi’s Harry Staub) and Flight Facilities star Harry Gruzman.
Among those partying on the floating beach club were Josh Carroll, Sammy Robinson, Jordan Simi and Dougie Joseph. Selling Sunset siblings Brett and Jason Oppenheim were also on-board, in town for the festive period from the US.
“The Island is the best place for New Year’s Day,” Big Brother winner Carroll said.
“There is nothing better than having fun with a great view like Sydney Harbour with Muma World’s amazing colour.”
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