Australia paused to show solidarity with the Jewish community as New Year’s Eve festivities rolled across the nation.
Weeks on from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, hundreds of thousands of people around the Sydney Harbour observed a minute’s silence and shone a collective, defiant light following the recent atrocity.
At 11pm AEDT on Wednesday night, the Sydney crowd held their phone torch lights aloft on Wednesday night while a menorah was projected on to the Harbour Bridge’s pylons and a dove and the words “peace” and “unity” were displayed.
The silent reflection contrasted with the dazzling early fireworks that lit up the night sky above the world-famous harbour to ring in 2026 an hour later.
A cloud of fear has lingered over the city since the terror attack, but crowds responded to leaders’ calls to go out in defiance of terrorism.
The festivities came with a heavy security presence, with thousands of armed police in attendance to ensure the crowds are safe.
One reveller, Irishman David Mooney, who nabbed an early spot at Sydney Harbour, said the potential security risks had only “slightly” crossed his mind.
“With everyone in such good spirits, you almost feel a bit of safety in numbers,” the 29-year-old said.
“Everyone’s in good form, everyone’s relaxed, I personally couldn’t have felt more reassured.”
An earlier batch of fireworks let off at 9pm AEDT was met with rapturous applause as the crowd defied any expectation of a sombre mood.
The display, titled Calling Country, celebrated Australia’s Indigenous history with images displayed on to the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pylons.
The relaxed atmosphere around the harbour saw hundreds of thousands gather, share drinks and play board games as they waited for the fireworks.
Lieke Wijnhoven, 24, from the Netherlands, said extra security measures gave her peace of mind.
“Of course [the Bondi terror attack] is in your mind a little bit, but it could happen anywhere,” she told AAP.
“Because of all the security, the police, even police helicopters, they’ve done what they can and we’re just here trying to enjoy ourselves.”
Caroline Meierhans, 24, from Switzerland, said the many hours queueing to enter Sydney’s Macquarie Point had not dampened her spirits for an exciting night ahead.
“For hours we were singing, just standing there, connecting with other people, looking at our watches wondering how long it would take,” she told AAP.
Just more than two weeks have passed since 15 people were killed and 41 others were injured during the 14 December attack at Bondi, with prime minister Anthony Albanese encouraging people to show kindness.
“What Bondi also showed us was the best of the Australian spirit, in all its courage and compassion,” he said.
Police are also out in force in Melbourne, with about 500,000 people expected to flock to the city for the fireworks and laser display at midnight.
German tourist Alexandra Bender said she felt unconcerned as she nabbed an early viewing spot with her family at Flagstaff Gardens.
“Everywhere can happen, things like this. We had it in Germany too,” she told AAP.
At other Melbourne live sites at the Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain and Docklands, families were enjoying live entertainment before the 9.30pm and midnight fireworks.
In Perth, fireworks will light up the sky over the Swan River at 8.30pm before the usual midnight show.
Partygoers lined the banks of the River Torrens in Adelaide for fireworks in Elder Park.
In Brisbane, the 7.45pm fireworks went off along the Brisbane River at 7.45pm amid rainy weather, with a midnight display to come.
For Tasmanians, there were to be fireworks over Hobart’s River Derwent at 9.30pm and midnight.
Fireworks were also taking place on the Darwin waterfront with displays at 9pm and midnight.
