Sydney has welcomed the New Year with a message of peace following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, as huge crowds gathered to watch the city's annual fireworks display.
The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as thousands of heavily armed police officers patrolled the streets - a rare and stark sight in Australia - as part of heightened security measures.
New South Wales (NSW) Police stated that more than 2,500 officers were on duty, with some authorized to carry high-grade weapons.
The attack on 14 December targeted Australia's Jewish community and resulted in the tragic death of 15 people during a Hanukkah festival.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was illuminated by a white light symbolizing peace, along with a Jewish menorah displayed on the bridge's pylons to show solidarity with the Jewish community. Official New Year's Eve activities were paused for a minute's silence at 11:00 PM local time (12:00 GMT) to honor the victims.
Pictures from Sydney Harbour, where thousands gather annually for the famous fireworks, depicted officers patrolling the event with longarm weapons. Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of safety, stating that while the sight of armed police might be confronting, it is crucial for community assurance.
Visitors like British tourists Joe and Lucy expressed relief at the increased police presence, having been worried about safety following the attacks. They acknowledged that more visible law enforcement provided them with a sense of security.
Separately, Premier Minns urged residents to resist allowing the 'horrible criminal terrorist event' at Bondi to dictate their lives, encouraging them to 'show defiance' and celebrate the New Year.
As the countdown approached, Sydney's iconic celebration led off a worldwide chain of New Year festivities from Dubai to New York.
