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Australians are ringing in 2026 with a focus on peace and unity
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Australians are ringing in 2026 with a focus on peace and unity

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Australians will ring in the New Year with dazzling fireworks and a moment of silent reflection for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
On New Year’s Eve, all eyes were on Sydney Harbour, where hundreds of thousands of people observed a minute’s silence for the victims weeks after the attack.
The crowd held up their phone torches as a menorah was projected onto the Harbor Bridge pylons and a dove with the words “peace” and “unity” was displayed.
The silent reflection contrasted with the dazzling fireworks that sounded over the world-famous harbor at midnight.

Heavy security was present during the festivities, with thousands of armed police officers.

David Mooney, who secured an early spot on Sydney Harbour, said the potential safety risks only “slightly” crossed his mind.

“Now that everyone is in such good spirits, you almost feel a bit safe in terms of numbers,” the 29-year-old from Ireland told the Australian Associated Press.

A menorah was projected onto the pylon of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Source: MONKEY / Then Himbrechts

“Everyone is in good shape, everyone is relaxed. Personally, I couldn’t have felt more relaxed.”

Earlier on Wednesday evening, the relaxed atmosphere had people gathering, sharing drinks and playing board games as they waited for the fireworks.

Lieke Wijnhoven, 24, from the Netherlands, said extra safety measures gave her peace of mind.

People shine light from their mobile phones during a tribute.

Crowds in Sydney held up telephone torches to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi attack. Source: MONKEY / Then Himbrechts

“Obviously the Bondi attack is a bit on your mind, but it could happen anywhere,” she said.

“Because of all the security, the police and even police helicopters did what they could and we’re just trying to enjoy ourselves here.”
Caroline Meierhans, 24, from Switzerland, said spending many hours queuing to enter Sydney’s Macquarie Point had not dampened her spirits.

“We were singing for hours, just standing there, connecting with other people and looking at our watches, wondering how long it would last,” she said.

Three women pose for a photo, smiling

People showed up in high spirits as they waited for Sydney’s signature midnight fireworks. Source: MONKEY / Then Himbrechts

Just over a fortnight has passed since 15 people were killed and 41 others injured in the Bondi attack, in which 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 were also present in Melbourne, with around 500,000 people flocking to the city at midnight for the fireworks and laser show.
German tourist Alexandra Bender said she wasn’t worried when she snagged an early viewing spot at Flagstaff Gardens with her family.

“These kinds of things can happen anywhere. We had it in Germany too,” she said.

Two police officers among a crowd

Thousands of armed police have been deployed to protect people during the New Year celebrations. Source: MONKEY / Then Himbrechts

At other live locations in Melbourne, at the Treasury Gardens, Kings Domain and Docklands, families enjoyed before the 9.30pm and midnight fireworks.

In Adelaide, revelers lined the banks of the Torrens River for fireworks at Elder Park.
The fireworks went off amid rainy weather along the Brisbane River in the Queensland capital, while Tasmanians were able to ring in the New Year on the Derwent River in Hobart.
Fireworks also took place on Darwin’s waterfront with demonstrations at 9pm and midnight.
In Perth, fireworks lit up the sky over the Swan River at midnight, three hours after the Eastern States.

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