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Sydney’s lord mayor says the heavy police presence for the city’s New Year’s celebration stems from a feeling of regret that the community was underprotected at the Bondi massacre, and the state government was “making up for it now” as a way to make revellers feel safe.
Clover Moore said in her 21 years of attending Sydney’s internationally celebrated event she’s always felt safe, as this year attendees are warned to expect to see heavily armed police officers patrolling crowded areas.
Revellers wait for a coveted fireworks viewing spot at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
“I think there was great regret that they weren’t better prepared for Bondi and I think they’re making up for it now,” Moore said.
“This is the government and police’s way of saying you’re going to be safe coming into the city.”
Police will not reveal the exact number of officers who will be carrying long-arm guns on New Year’s Eve, but Premier Chris Minns said the public should be aware if they see a heavily armed officer in the city, it does not mean there is an active threat.
“It means they’re there in preparation for any eventuality,” he said.
People gather early at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane wrote to Minns to ask him to push the prime minister to call a federal royal commission into the Bondi massacre. The demands for a Commonwealth royal commission, including from victims’ families, and Anthony Albanese’s insistence on holding a smaller inquiry has been a source of political tension since the attacks.
While he had no negative words for Sloane, Minns said he would not be drawn into commentary on the actions of his federal counterpart.
“They’ve made their decision, I’ve made our decision – we’re going ahead with the royal commission in NSW,” he said.
About 3000 police officers will be deployed around Sydney, including support from police vessels in Sydney Harbour and Pol Air from the sky.
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Crowd control operations had started by 10am, with some harbour viewing points already reaching 50 per cent capacity. Fireworks will be launched from the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, six buildings in the CBD and along barges stretching for seven kilometres across the harbour.
After the 9pm family fireworks, one minute of silence will be held, marked with the sound of three bells at the beginning and end. A menorah will be projected on the bridge pylons, along with a dove and the words “unity” and “peace”.
“Given that we’re still reeling from the recent tragic events at Bondi, New Year’s Eve provides an opportunity to gather as a community, to pause and reflect and to look with hope to a safer and more peaceful 2026,” Moore said.
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