City of Sydney raises $2.3 million for fire relief at NYE fireworks event

The City of Sydney has raised millions of dollars for bushfire relief and recovery after staunchly proceeding with their iconic Sydney Harbour fireworks, despite some criticism.

Fireworks light up the sky above Sydney Harbour. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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The City of Sydney has raised more than $2.3 million for bushfire relief and recovery through Sydney Harbour fireworks despite controversy over the gaudy spectacular in light of devastating bushfires across the state.

A City of Sydney spokeswoman confirmed the donations to the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund had reached $2.3 million with more yet to be processed after the “world’s best New Year’s Eve party”.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore speaks during a press conference at the Sydney Opera House forecourt. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Lord Mayor Clover Moore thanked staff, police and emergency services for their co-operation on the event.

“Reminders to donate to the bushfire appeal and tributes to our brave firefighters were projected onto the Harbour Bridge pylons,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The City of Sydney previously donated $620,000 to bushfire and drought relief, and I

want to thank everyone who joined us in making a donation.”

Many vantage points around the harbour also took cash donations on the night.

Rural Fire Services attack a fire in Sussex Inlet on the South Coast on New Year’s Eve. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Some suburban Sydney councils including Liverpool City and Campbelltown who had cancelled their fireworks due to fire danger and extreme weather conditions also raised funds for the Red Cross and the NSW Rural Fire Service at their New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Crowds watching around Sydney Harbour, across the country and all over the world witnessed a stunning fireworks and light show synchronised to an all-Australian soundtrack of Tina Arena, Pnau, Crowded House, Fisher, Tones and I and Peking Duk.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)

“Sydney New Year’s Eve is the result of an enormous collaboration project between the

City of Sydney and NSW Government agencies, and I’d like to thank everyone for making

this event such a success,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I’d particularly like to praise the 250 volunteers who gave up their time to be ambassadors

for our city, helping the hundreds of thousands of people visiting Sydney for last night’s

event.”