Sydney’s spectacular NYE fireworks highlight diversity and inclusivity

An estimated million people lined Sydney’s foreshore overnight and more than a billion watched globally as Sydney brought in the new year with a message of welcome for all.

It is the pride of Australia, a symbol of hope, and at midnight millions of people around the globe watched wide-eyed as Sydney wrote on the Harbour Bridge its message to the world — everyone is welcome.

The rainbow waterfall, a nod to World Pride 2023 in Sydney, beamed to homes everywhere, symbolising the diversity that makes our city so great.

It is a mammoth task to pull together a history-making event year after year that means so much to millions ­beyond our shores.

But for New Year’s Eve fireworks creative director Fortunato Foti, there really only was one theme to go with this year.

“(It) is a celebration of ­diversity and inclusivity … highlighting a nice moment for world pride,” Mr Foti said.

The midnight New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney Harbour had the theme of inclusivity. Picture: Tim Hunter

The fireworks were expected to be watched by a billion people around the globe. Picture: Tim Hunter

Pinks and purples light up the sky. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

As always, the Harbour Bridge provided a fantastic backdrop. Picture: Tim Hunter

Coronavirus stuck around longer than we liked, our ­regions copped flood after flood and interest rates went through the roof — but if there is one thing Sydney does best it is throw a party.

Early estimates suggested a million people lined the foreshore, and more than a billion globally watched on their TVs.

The view from Dudley Page Reserve at Dover Heights was breathtaking. Picture: Tim Hunter

Crowds on the packed Circular Quay foreshore were entranced. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

Crowds started gathering at the main vantage points from 9am, but new crowd control measures saw many locked out until later in the afternoon.

The southern side of the harbour near the Opera House, usually a car park of boaties priming up for a view, was heavily restricted this year as a police operation kept traffic in the water at a minimum.

Police said crowd control measures and booze restrictions in prime zones had led to a “family atmosphere” in a relatively quiet night.

The mood around the harbour was “calm” with no significant incidents up until the main fireworks display.

It was a busy night for emergency services, with Triple Zero operators fielding more than 2,200 calls for assistance – one every 20 seconds.

However, NSW Ambulance Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Tonge said it was “somewhat relieving” to see a decrease of about 670 calls from last year’s celebrations.

Paramedics have geared up for an even busier New Year’s Day, forecasting in excess of

5,000 calls.

“We urge those still celebrating to take special care – you don’t want to start 2023 in an ambulance or a hospital,” said Mr Tonge.

The 9pm family fireworks was followed by a second show at midnight. Picture: Tim Hunter

Boats enjoyed a special view of the show. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was time to reflect on the highs and lows of the year, especially the floods.

“While they delivered our darkest days, they also revealed the true character of the people of NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

“What I witnessed was ­extraordinary kindness, bravery and generosity, I couldn’t have been more impressed.”

Jodi Tooke (left) and Emma Peto tick one item off the bucket list – celebrating the New Year in Sydney. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Brooke Dwyer, 6, Carlos Dwyer, 5, Nathaniel Morris, 3, Renzmay Morris, 2, Sarah Dwyer, 11, and Kylie Dwyer, 10 brought their own lights. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

For those who made the trip from overseas, NYE in Sydney truly is a bucket list moment.

Jodi Tooke, 29, and Emma Peto, 24, travelled from the UK to fulfil their dreams of toasting to the New Year in Sydney.

The pair, who met in a Bondi hostel just over two weeks ago, lined up for hours.

“It’s the iconic view. I’ve watched it so many times on the telly and you know what? This is my time now,” Ms Tooke said.
“When it first started I had it in the pipeline I wanted to come and I’m in Sydney living my best life now.
“Every time I’ve seen (Sydney) on the TV everyone seems so friendly, the sun and the beaches.”

Dover Heights’ Dudley Page Reserve revellers included (l to r) Carla Rey Munoz, Sabrina Martinez, Amanda Ordonez, Teresa Clave and Silvia Rubio. Picture: Tim Hunter

As for Marrickville local Erin Leasa, 28, she loved sharing the new year festivities with her one-year-old daughter, Mellow.

“It was great to be able to bring the kids to watch the fireworks,” Ms Leasa said.

“It’ll be great to start the new year off with friends and family in our own backyard.”

Wolli Creek resident Gina Medina, 28, said 2022 was a “good year” that made up for the disruptions and devastation brought on by the pandemic.
“We can travel now which is something (we took advantage of) this year,” she said.
Fellow Sydney resident, Cruz Smith, 36, agreed, saying the past 12 months had improved compared to the “hectic” moments of Covid.

As for the challenges that will come in 2023, Mr Smith said: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” before joking about how they could reduce family spending.

Josh and Ana Kennedy with their Emilio, 7, and three-year-old Isabella at Dover Heights. Picture: Tim Hunter

Matraville local Lauren Atkinson, 36, brought her mother Pamela to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair on Saturday night to help her tick off her bucket list item of seeing the Sydney fireworks live.

Ms Atkinson, 64, has come to Sydney for four months from Ireland after years of travel restrictions due to the pandemic. The Dublin tourist said fireworks in the United Kingdom “couldn’t even match” the spectacle here.

“I’ve seen Australia Day fireworks in the harbour, but these ones are much more amazing,” she said.

Ms Atkinson felt the last year had “lightened” up the spirits of people and made her feel more relaxed because she could enjoy life more.

As for curve balls coming in the new year, the mother said it’s always important to “challenge yourself”.

“I don’t know what my challenges are yet … but I might challenge myself to get a little more healthier,” she said.

NSW Police Marine Area Command conducted random breath tests and safety checks on boats in the harbour. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brendan Read

Paramedics applauded the good behaviour of punters.

One said a calm night was the best gift they could have asked for after tense 12 months.

And despite an estimated 3100 calls for help on New Year’s Eve, NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Damian Hughes said revellers had avoided a night of chaos.

“I would say given it is our first year without Covid restrictions it is very pleasing so far to see the public have been really well behaved,” he said.

“We haven’t had any major concerns.

“I’d also suggest the controls in place, with ticketed events and alcohol-free venues, make it a much more family-friendly experience and reduces our workload.

“We find that it is always alcohol that is the spark for things to go wrong.”

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