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{{short description|Annual multi-tiered event held every New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia}}
{{short description|Annual event in Sydney}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2015}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox recurring event
{{Infobox recurring event
| name = Sydney New Year's Eve
| name = Sydney New Year's Eve
| native_name =
| native_name =
| logo =
| logo =
| logo_caption =
| logo_caption =
| image = OperaSydney-Fuegos2006-342289398.jpg
| image = OperaSydney-Fuegos2006-342289398.jpg
| caption = Opening sequence of the [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2006–07|2006/07]] Midnight Fireworks.
| caption = Opening sequence of the 2006/07 Midnight Fireworks.
| genre = [[New Year's Eve]] event
| genre = [[New Year's Eve]] event
| date = 31 December
| date = 31 December/1 January
| begins = 8:30 pm ([[Australian Eastern Daylight Time|AEDT]])
| begins = 8:30 pm ([[Australian Eastern Daylight Time|AEDT]])
| ends = 12:30 am ([[Australian Eastern Daylight Time|AEDT]])
| ends = 12:30 am ([[Australian Eastern Daylight Time|AEDT]])
| frequency = Annual
| frequency = Annual
| location = [[Sydney]]
| location = [[Sydney]]
| years_active =
| years_active = 1976–present
| first = 1976
| first = {{start date and age|1976}}
| founder_name = Syd Howard
| founder_name = Syd Howard
| last = [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2018–19|2018/19]]
| last = 2023/24
| prev = [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2017–18|2017/18]]
| prev = 2022/23
| next = [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2019–20|2019/20]]
| next = 2024/25
| participants =
| participants =
| attendance = 1.6 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-30/early-campers-set-up-for-new-years-eve/5993174 |publisher=ABC News, Mazoe Ford|title= New Year's Eve: Early campers nab prime spots on Sydney Harbour to watch fireworks|date= 31 December 2014 |accessdate=3 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/12/29/sydney-skies-light-thrice-spectacular-nye-fireworks-display |publisher= SBS with Agencies | title = Sydney skies to light up thrice in spectacular NYE fireworks display |date= 31 December 2014|accessdate=3 January 2015}}</ref>
| attendance = 1.6 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-30/early-campers-set-up-for-new-years-eve/5993174 |publisher=ABC News, Mazoe Ford|title= New Year's Eve: Early campers nab prime spots on Sydney Harbour to watch fireworks|date= 31 December 2014 |access-date=3 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/12/29/sydney-skies-light-thrice-spectacular-nye-fireworks-display |publisher= SBS with Agencies | title = Sydney skies to light up thrice in spectacular NYE fireworks display |date= 31 December 2014|access-date=3 January 2015}}</ref>
| area =
| area =
| budget = $6.5 million (as of 2019-20)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-s-new-year-s-eve-celebrations-will-be-the-best-so-far-20181204-p50k2x.html |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald, Ben Weir|title= Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations 'will be the best so far'|date= 4 December 2018 |accessdate=18 December 2018}}</ref>
| budget = $5.8 million (as of 2022–23)<ref name=":03">{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/party-that-sydney-deserves-biggest-fireworks-display-ever-planned-for-harbour-bridge-20221229-p5c9ao.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |title= 'Party that Sydney deserves': Biggest fireworks display ever planned for Harbour Bridge |date= 29 December 2022 |access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref>
| patron =
| patron =
| organised =
| organised =
| people =
| people =
| member =
| member =
| website = http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/
| website =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Sydney New Year's Eve''' is an annual multi-tiered event held every [[New Year's Eve]] in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]]. Centring on the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] and surrounding [[Port Jackson]], its main events are two [[pyrotechnic]] displays: the ''9pm Family Fireworks'' and the ''Midnight Fireworks'', both of which are televised nationally with the more popular Midnight Fireworks televised globally.
'''Sydney New Year's Eve''' is an annual [[New Year's Eve]] [[fireworks]] event in [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]. The event currently consists of two fireworks shows, with an evening display known as the "Family Fireworks" held at 9:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Time in Australia|AEDT]], and the main "Midnight Fireworks" held at 12:00&nbsp;a.m. Fireworks are launched from [[barge]]s in [[Port Jackson]], as well as nearby landmarks such as the [[Sydney Opera House]], and the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]], which serves as the main focal point of the show via lighting and pyrotechnic effects.


As one of the first major cities to celebrate the New Year, the event is widely-viewed in Australia and worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sydney gears up for New Year's Eve celebrations despite record omicron surge |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/31/sydney-gears-up-for-new-year-celebrations-despite-record-omicron-surge.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> Organizers have estimated the annual in-person attendance of the event to be around 1.5 to 1.6 million, with tourists accounting for a large portion of its attendees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-30 |title=1.6 million people set for Sydney Harbour New Year's fireworks show |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/16-million-people-set-for-sydney-harbour-new-years-fireworks-show-20141230-12fr24.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McInnes |first=William |date=2017-12-31 |title=Sydney Harbour to welcome 1.5 million people to its foreshore for NYE celebrations |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-harbour-to-welcome-15-million-people-to-its-foreshore-20171231-h0brcj.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> Some locations, such as the [[Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney|Royal Botanic Garden]], host ticketed seating areas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brain |first=Ellie Dudley, Emma Hayman, Sian |date=2019-12-29 |title=From fireworks to festivals, here's how to end the decade with a bang |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/from-fireworks-to-festivals-here-s-how-to-end-the-decade-with-a-bang-20191227-p53n5x.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
Synchronised to a [[soundtrack]] of popular music from past and present, the [[fireworks]] explode off the arches, catwalk and [[Bradfield Highway (Sydney)|roadway]] of the Harbour Bridge, including the [[Sydney Opera House|Opera House]], nearby [[List of tallest buildings in Sydney|city buildings]] and up to eight [[barge]]s evenly divided on both sides of the bridge. Each year a new theme is chosen and is regularly viewed by more than one million people surrounding the harbour and one billion worldwide for the Midnight Fireworks. For the [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2010–11|2010/11]] event, an audience of 1.5 million watched the display from the local harbour and a reported 1.1 billion globally.<ref>{{cite web|author=KIrvin |url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/html/4470-sydney-makes-its-mark-and-welcomes-the-new-decade.asp |title=Sydney Makes its Mark and welcomes the new decade:: Sydney Media:: City of Sydney |publisher=Sydney Media |date=1 January 2011 |accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>


The event is usually organised by the City of Sydney however in 2020, it was scaled back and the state government of New South Wales was given "temporary custodianship" of the event for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at the time.
The event was first televised on 31 December 1995. The 9pm Family Fireworks were originally the main show lasting around twenty minutes, with the Midnight Fireworks only lasting around three and featuring only the [[Sydney Tower]]. From 1999 onwards the Midnight Fireworks became the main event of the two. The 1998 Midnight Fireworks had a length of ten minutes and were increased to twenty five the following year. In NYE 2000 the fireworks went for fifteen minutes. From [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2005–06|NYE 2005]] to present the Midnight Fireworks have run for twelve minutes in reference to the twelve months of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nye/WhatsOn/sydney-new-years-after-midnight-events.asp |title=Sydney New Years Eve &#124; NYE &#124; The Official Event Website |publisher=Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au |date= |accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> There are many vantage points to see the fireworks in Sydney namely [[Barangaroo, New South Wales|Barangaroo]], Royal Botanic Gardens, [[Sydney Opera House|Opera House]], [[Bradleys Head|Bradley's Head]], [https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/sydney/nye-fireworks-cruises Sydney New Year's Eve Cruises], [[The Rocks, New South Wales|The Rocks]], [[Taronga Zoo Sydney|Taronga Zoo]], [[Shark Island (Port Jackson)|Shark Island]] etc.

The [[City of Sydney]] Council is the official presenter of the event.


==History==
==History==
===Origins===
===Origins===
In 1976, the Sydney Committee decided to reconstitute a failing [[Sydney Festival|Waratah Festival]] as the Festival of Sydney. At the first meeting of its Programme Committee, they agreed that New Year's Eve should launch the new festival, a 'big bang affair'. Focusing on the harbour and adjacent areas, it would include a sail-past of decorated craft, music, and a 'spectacular fireworks display at midnight'. With this, the Festival of Sydney made New Year's Eve official for the first time. Stephen Hall was its Executive Director from 1977 to 1994.<ref>The Sydney Committee, Minutes of the Programme Committee 19 March 1976, City of Sydney Archives, CSA014504/003</ref> The 1979/80 brochure for the Festival featured an image of the fireworks over the [[Sydney Opera House]] and the slogan "Get into the 80's with a bang"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyoralhistories.com.au/stories/sydney-festival-turns-forty/|title=Sydney Festival Turns Forty - Oral Histories|website=www.sydneyoralhistories.com.au}}</ref>
In 1976, the Sydney Committee decided to reconstitute a failing [[Sydney Festival|Waratah Festival]] as the Festival of Sydney. At the first meeting of its Programme Committee, they agreed that New Year's Eve should launch the new festival, a 'big bang affair'. Focusing on the harbour and adjacent areas, it would include a sail-past of decorated craft, music, and a 'spectacular fireworks display at midnight'. With this, the Festival of Sydney made New Year's Eve official for the first time. Stephen Hall was its Executive Director from 1977 to 1994.<ref>The Sydney Committee, Minutes of the Programme Committee 19 March 1976, City of Sydney Archives, CSA014504/003</ref> The 1979/80 brochure for the Festival featured an image of the fireworks over the [[Sydney Opera House]] and the slogan "Get into the '80s with a bang".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneyoralhistories.com.au/stories/sydney-festival-turns-forty/|title=Sydney Festival Turns Forty Oral Histories|website=www.sydneyoralhistories.com.au}}</ref>


Inspiration to use the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] as a launchpad for fireworks came from the use of fireworks on the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 1983.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.smh.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=sydney+harbour+bridge&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=25%2F01%2F1988&ed=30%2F01%2F1988&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=news880128_0265_9470|title=Fireworks virtuoso sparks a spectacle|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=28 January 1998|accessdate=16 October 2011}}</ref>
Inspiration to use the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] as a launchpad for fireworks came from the use of fireworks on the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 1983.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.smh.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=smh&kw=sydney+harbour+bridge&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=25%2F01%2F1988&ed=30%2F01%2F1988&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=200&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=news880128_0265_9470|title=Fireworks virtuoso sparks a spectacle|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=28 January 1998|access-date=16 October 2011}}</ref>


Syd Howard, pyrotechnician, used his inspiration and the chances given to him to put fireworks displays on [[Sydney Harbour]] to use the bridge as a launchpad for fireworks. His first opportunity was in 1986 for the 75th Anniversary Review of the [[Royal Australian Navy]]. Here he introduced the "waterfall" effect as well as a pyrotechnic message on the bridge. The message read "NSW salutes Royal Australian Navy" and employed thousands of cigarette-style fireworks to create the lettering. It hung over the side of the pedestrian walkway.
Syd Howard, pyrotechnician, used his inspiration and the chances given to him to put fireworks displays on [[Sydney Harbour]] to use the bridge as a launchpad for fireworks. His first opportunity was in 1986 for the 75th Anniversary Review of the [[Royal Australian Navy]]. Here he introduced the "waterfall" effect as well as a pyrotechnic message on the bridge. The message read "NSW salutes Royal Australian Navy" and employed thousands of cigarette-style fireworks to create the lettering. It hung over the side of the pedestrian walkway.


From NYE 1996 to NYE 1999, management of the event was contracted out to [[Ric Birch]]'s ''Spectak Productions''. Birch, known for his work on numerous Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies brought with him former [[Jimmy and the Boys]] front man [[Ignatius Jones]] as Creative Director and Catriona Brown as Senior Producer.
From NYE 1996 to NYE 1999, management of the event was contracted out to [[Ric Birch]]'s ''Spectak Productions''. Birch, known for his work on numerous Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies brought with him former [[Jimmy and the Boys]] frontman [[Ignatius Jones]] as Creative Director and Catriona Brown as Senior Producer.


===1996–98===
===1996–1999===
The original Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display (NYE 1996) was designed by Syd Howard Fireworks. The event used the pylons, arch and catwalk of the bridge, city buildings and one barge located in front of the [[Sydney Opera House]]. There was a ten-second pyrotechnic countdown. Each second, one shooting comet shot off a different building starting from [[North Sydney, New South Wales|North Sydney]] and finishing at [[AMP Tower]] to form an [[Olympic Torch]] to welcome in 1997.
The original Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display (NYE 1996) was designed by Syd Howard Fireworks. The event used the pylons, arch and catwalk of the bridge, city buildings and one barge located in front of the [[Sydney Opera House]]. There was a ten-second pyrotechnic countdown. Each second, one shooting comet shot off a different building starting from [[North Sydney, New South Wales|North Sydney]] and finishing at [[AMP Tower]] to form an [[Olympic Torch]] to welcome in 1997.


For NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks included the [[Star City Casino]]. The AMP Tower turned into a ticking clock with shooting comets slowly rotating around the top of the tower. The soundtrack for the countdown was a ticking clock before a [[church bell|bell]] toll rang in 1999. This bell toll also turned AMP Tower into an Olympic Torch. Also, from NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks were extended to include the Harbour Bridge, the 9 pm Family Fireworks were extended to include two barges (one on each side of the bridge) and the displays were co-designed by ''Foti International Fireworks'' and Syd Howard Fireworks.
For NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks included the [[Star City Casino]]. The AMP Tower turned into a ticking clock with shooting comets slowly rotating around the top of the tower. The soundtrack for the countdown was a ticking clock before a [[church bell|bell]] toll rang in 1999. This bell toll also turned AMP Tower into an Olympic Torch. Also, from NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks were extended to include the Harbour Bridge, the 9&nbsp;pm Family Fireworks were extended to include two barges (one on each side of the bridge) and the displays were co-designed by Foti International Fireworks and Syd Howard Fireworks.


On NYE 1999 the [[Apollo 11]] countdown, as well as air raid sirens, provided the soundtrack for the countdown. A [[smiley]] face was visible on the bridge during the show, until the finale revealed the word "[[Eternity (graffito)|Eternity]]" in [[Intaglio (printmaking)|Copperplate]] writing, in honour of [[Arthur Stace]]. Fireworks were also launched from the Centrepoint Tower. A rather unusual feature of the 1999 display was a selection of [[tugboat]]s that made their way through the harbour, each one carrying a colourful, brightly lit model of a particular sea creature. The Fireworks Soundtrack included a five-minute "History Of Pop" featuring hits from the 1890s to the 1990s.
===1999–2002===
On NYE 1999 the [[Apollo 11]] countdown, as well as air raid sirens provided the soundtrack for the countdown. A [[smiley]] face was visible on the bridge during the show, until the finale revealed the word "Eternity" in [[Intaglio (printmaking)|Copperplate]] writing, in honour of [[Arthur Stace]]. Fireworks were also launched from the Centrepoint Tower. A rather unusual feature of the 1999 display was a selection of [[tugboat]]s that made their way through the harbour, each one carrying a colourful, brightly lit model of a particular sea creature. The Fireworks Soundtrack included a 5-minute "History Of Pop" featuring hits from the 1890s to the 1990s.


===2000–2004===
Since NYE 2000, the displays have been fully designed and created by ''Foti International Fireworks''.<ref>[http://www.fotifireworks.com.au/news/index.html Foti International Fireworks archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105062805/http://www.fotifireworks.com.au/news/index.html |date=5 January 2008 }}</ref> During NYE 2000, a larger than life birthday cake was unveiled well before midnight to celebrate 100 years of Australia as a nation. It was placed in front of the northern forecourt of the Opera House on a [[Pontoon bridge|pontoon]]. At midnight, the cake lit up with a chasing lighting effect running from the bottom of the cake to the top. A [[Federation Star]] representing 100 years since the federation of Australia appeared on the bridge during the finale.
Since 2000, the displays have been fully designed and created by Foti International Fireworks.<ref>[http://www.fotifireworks.com.au/news/index.html Foti International Fireworks archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105062805/http://www.fotifireworks.com.au/news/index.html |date=5 January 2008 }}</ref> During NYE 2000, a larger than life birthday cake was unveiled well before midnight to celebrate 100 years of Australia as a nation. It was placed in front of the northern forecourt of the Opera House on a [[Pontoon bridge|pontoon]]. At midnight, the cake lit up with a chasing lighting effect running from the bottom of the cake to the top. A [[Federation Star]] representing 100 years since the federation of Australia appeared on the bridge during the finale.


On NYE 2001, A dove of peace slowly came into view to speak peace to the world after the [[September 11th terrorist attacks]] in New York. On NYE 2002, the city buildings were removed from the fireworks displays. The 9 pm family fireworks had to be cancelled due to high winds of {{convert|90|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. Those fireworks were then rescheduled to Australia Day, but were cancelled again, this time due to a total fire ban. An animated dove appeared on the bridge during the finale.
On NYE 2001, A dove of peace slowly came into view to speak peace to the world after the [[September 11th terrorist attacks]] in New York. On NYE 2002, the city buildings were removed from the fireworks displays. The 9&nbsp;pm family fireworks had to be cancelled due to high winds of {{convert|90|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. Those fireworks were then rescheduled to Australia Day, but were cancelled again, this time due to a total fire ban. An animated dove appeared on the bridge during the finale.


After six years as [[creative director]], Ignatius Jones stepped down in 2002 to be replaced by former Melbourne and Sydney Festival artistic director [[Leo Schofield]]. Ken Wilby moved on the following year with the event's [[production manager]] [[Ed Wilkinson]] elevated to the producer role from 2003 to 2005.
After six years as [[creative director]], Ignatius Jones stepped down in 2002 to be replaced by former Melbourne and Sydney Festival artistic director [[Leo Schofield]]. Ken Wilby moved on the following year with the event's [[Unit production manager|production manager]] [[Ed Wilkinson]] elevated to the producer role from 2003 to 2005.


===2003–06===
[[File:Sydney Fireworks 2005.jpg|thumb|right|The Sydney Harbour celebrations on NYE 2004.]]
[[File:Sydney Fireworks 2005.jpg|thumb|right|The Sydney Harbour celebrations on NYE 2004.]]
On NYE 2003, a fifteen-second countdown was accompanied with the striking of a gong at midnight. For the first time, fireworks were launched off the vertical hangers of the bridge in a one-off display. From [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2004–05|NYE 2004]], the first [[three dimensional|3D]] bridge effect was used. Also in that year, the fireworks display was viewed as a disco with pop music and a disco ball suspended from the bridge.
On NYE 2003, a fifteen-second countdown was accompanied with the striking of a gong at midnight. For the first time, fireworks were launched off the vertical hangers of the bridge in a one-off display. From NYE 2004, the first [[three dimensional|3D]] bridge effect was used. Also in that year, the fireworks display was viewed as a disco with pop music and a disco ball suspended from the bridge. The show concluded with a remix of the national anthem "[[Advance Australia Fair]]" combined with folk song "[[Waltzing Matilda]]". The remix was criticised by politicians; in an interview with [[6PR]], Prime Minister [[John Howard]] stated that he had a "very strong view that the national anthem should be sung and played in a way that facilitates maximum audience participation in its singing",<ref>{{cite news |date=16 December 2004 |title=PM unhappy with techno national anthem |publisher=ABC.net.au |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-12-15/pm-unhappy-with-techno-national-anthem/603126 |access-date=11 January 2015}}</ref> while [[Leader of the Opposition (New South Wales)|Leader of the Opposition of New South Wales]] [[John Brogden (politician)|John Brogden]] called it '"simply a bad piece of music".<ref>{{cite news |date=15 December 2004 |title=It's terrible, says PM |publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Its-terrible-says-PM/2004/12/15/1102787124169.html |access-date=11 January 2015}}</ref>
[[File:New Year's Eve in Sydney 2007-8.jpg|thumb|right|An all-white finale to the Midnight Fireworks on NYE 2007.]]
On NYE 2005, a beating heart was the icon on the bridge that appeared after the 9pm fireworks display. The fireworks themselves during the show exploded in Heart shapes. Former [[Sydney Theatre Company]] head [[Wayne Harrison (director)|Wayne Harrison]] joined Katrina Marton in taking over leadership of the event as Creative Director and Producer respectively for the events from 2005 to 2007.


===2005–2009===
[[Sydney New Year's Eve 2006–07|NYE 2006]] saw the four barges feature for the 9pm Family Fireworks while six barges feature with the city buildings return in the Midnight Fireworks and in addition, it had a ten-second countdown projected on the pylons starting with the logo for [[Network Ten]]. A question mark was shown in the nights leading up to the celebrations, which also doubled up as the curved end of the coat hanger.
On NYE 2005, a beating heart was the icon on the bridge that appeared after the 9&nbsp;pm fireworks display. The fireworks themselves during the show exploded in Heart shapes. Former [[Sydney Theatre Company]] head [[Wayne Harrison (director)|Wayne Harrison]] joined Katrina Marton in taking over leadership of the event as Creative Director and Producer respectively for the events from 2005 to 2007.


NYE 2006 saw the four barges feature for the 9&nbsp;pm Family Fireworks while six barges feature with the city buildings return for the midnight show and in addition, it had a ten-second countdown projected on the pylons starting with the logo for [[Network 10]]. A question mark was shown in the nights leading up to the celebrations, which also doubled up as the curved end of the coat hanger.
===2007–09===
[[File:Sydney new years 2008-9.JPG|thumb|[[Sydney New Year's Eve 2008–09]]]]
In [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2007–08|NYE 2007]], the bridge acted as a seventh barge for the first time shooting fireworks throughout the show instead of just during the beginning and finale.


[[File:Sydney new years 2008-9.JPG|thumb|Sydney New Year's Eve 2008–09]]
In [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2008–09|NYE 2008]], the bridge, seven city buildings and six barges staged in the biggest fireworks display yet, increasing from $4 million worth of fireworks to $5 million. Brenton Kewley, who had worked on the event since 1996 in various roles, including [[Art Director]] and [[Associate Producer]] took over as Producer for the 2008 and 2009 events while journalist and broadcaster Rhoda Roberts took over from Wayne Harrison in 2008.
In NYE 2007, the bridge acted as a seventh barge for the first time shooting fireworks throughout the show instead of just during the beginning and finale.


In NYE 2008, the bridge, seven city buildings and six barges staged in the biggest fireworks display yet, increasing from $4 million worth of fireworks to $5 million. Brenton Kewley, who had worked on the event since 1996 in various roles, including [[Art Director]] and [[Associate Producer]] took over as Producer for the 2008 and 2009 events while journalist and broadcaster [[Rhoda Roberts]] took over from Wayne Harrison in 2008.
During [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2009–10|NYE 2009]], the countdown started with messages projected on the pylons. The pyrotechnic countdown was started by launching an exploding mine on a barge in front of the bridge. For the first time, microchip fireworks were used in the show which lasted longer in the sky and were more accurate when [[background music|synchronised with music]]. The show consisted of $5 million worth of fireworks running for twelve minutes. A [[Yin Yang]] symbol appeared on the bridge during the finale. Once again, more fireworks exploded on the bridge throughout the entire show when compared with previous NYE displays.


During NYE 2009, the countdown started with messages projected on the pylons. The [[Pyrotechnics|pyrotechnic]] countdown was started by launching an exploding mine on a barge in front of the bridge. For the first time, microchip fireworks were used in the show which lasted longer in the sky and were more accurate when synchronised with music. The show consisted of $5 million worth of fireworks running for twelve minutes. A [[Yin Yang]] symbol appeared on the bridge during the finale. Once again, more fireworks exploded on the bridge throughout the entire show when compared with previous NYE displays.
===2010–14===
In [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2010–11|NYE 2010]], the creative direction was still Rhoda Roberts. The theme was "Make Your Mark", reflecting on the decade gone and the lasting impressions left by our actions; as well as reflecting on ways in which all people can make their mark by contributing to a better future. For the very first time the bridge effect was multi-layered, which included more than ten signs and symbols.


===2010–2014===
In NYE 2011, the creative director was handed over to [[Marc Newson]] and Imagination Australia, taking over from Rhoda Roberts. The theme was Time to Dream. The display, for the very first time, was choreographed to an all-Australian soundtrack created by music production house [[samplify|s:amplify]] which included original composition. This marks the first year, a 90-second countdown was featured on the bridge effect.
On NYE 2010, the creative direction was still Rhoda Roberts. The theme was "Make Your Mark", reflecting on the decade gone and the lasting impressions left by our actions; as well as reflecting on ways in which all people can make their mark by contributing to a better future. For the very first time the bridge effect was multi-layered, which included more than ten signs and symbols.


In 2011, Aneurin Coffey took over as Producer having been Production Manager since 2006. 2011 also saw a change from individual creative directors to a creative agency, Imagination Australia, which promoted Marc Newson as creative spokesperson. The theme was "Time to Dream". The display, for the very first time, was choreographed to an all-Australian soundtrack created by music production house [[samplify|s:amplify]] which included original composition. This marks the first year, a ninety-second countdown was featured on the bridge effect.
On [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2012–13|NYE 2012]], the logo featured a swirl of coloured sails in magenta, yellow, purple and red, and marked with [[Kylie Minogue]]'s signature "K". The show included new effects such as bees, koalas and octopus shells. A ten-second countdown accompanied by comets launched from jet skis before midnight. The show's budget has increased from $6.3 million to $6.6 million. Kylie Minogue was appointed as creative ambassador for the 2012 celebrations. Kylie worked alongside [[samplify]] to create the soundtrack including an exclusive remix created for the finale. The theme was Embrace


In March 2012, Imagination appointed Australian singer [[Kylie Minogue]] as creative ambassador for the 2012–13 event, overseeing the soundtrack and visual direction for the event and its official parties. Minogue's involvement was part of her year-long commemoration of 25 years in the music industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kylie Minogue joins Sydney New Year's Eve 2012 as creative ambassador {{!}} Marketing |url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/kylie-minogue-joins-sydney-new-years-eve-2012-as-creative-ambassador/295103 |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Campaign Asia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=James |date=2012-03-28 |title=Kylie to curate New Year's Eve |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/kylie-to-curate-new-years-eve-20120328-1vy2i.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The official theme was "Embrace";<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2012-08-15 |title=Embrace is Sydney's NY Eve theme: Kylie |url=https://www.9news.com.au/entertainment/embrace-is-sydney-s-ny-eve-theme-kylie/c0643695-fdad-4fb7-921f-74a321317933 |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=9News}}</ref> the show's budget increased from $6.3 million to $6.5 million, and the city announced plans for the event to be [[carbon neutral]] through the use of biodegradable cases for the firework shells, among other aspects. Foti stated that the event would feature new firework shapes such as [[Bee|bees]], [[Butterfly|butterflies]], [[koala]]s, and a [[Sixteenth note|semiquaver]] designed for Minogue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruppert |first=Brittany |date=2012-12-28 |title=Revellers set to get climate-friendly bang for their buck |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/revellers-set-to-get-climatefriendly-bang-for-their-buck-20121228-2bz98.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-12-28 |title=Sydney's NYE fireworks to hit the right note |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-28/sydney27s-nye-fireworks-to-hit-the-right-note/4446176 |access-date=2023-11-22}}</ref>
On [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2013–14|NYE 2013]], fireworks launched from the Opera House celebrating its 40th anniversary in the midnight fireworks and once again, city buildings were removed from the 9 pm and midnight fireworks. The bridge effect was also twice as big than previous years and used new LED technology. [[Reg Mombassa]] was creative ambassador for 2013/14. This marks the second year a numerical countdown was featured on the bridge effect. The theme was Shine.


The 2013–14 theme was "Shine"; artist [[Reg Mombassa]] served as creative ambassador, and oversaw that year's bridge effect—a giant blinking eye. In addition, the event featured a special minute-long firework display at 10:30 p.m. that was inspired by Mombassa's painting "Cranium Universe".<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Power |first=James Robertson, Julie |date=2013-12-31 |title=Sydney New Year's Eve: Midnight fireworks the best show in town |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-new-years-eve-midnight-fireworks-the-best-show-in-town-20131231-304nm.html |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Galvin |first1=Nick |last2=Bungard |first2=Matt |date=2 January 2014 |title=New Year's Eve extravaganza in Sydney was a head trip for artist Reg Mombassa |language=en |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/new-years-eve-extravaganza-in-sydney-was-a-head-trip-for-artist-reg-mombassa-20140101-3064e.html |access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref>
The budget for [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2014–15|Sydney New Year's Eve 2014]] was reported to have increased from $6.8 million to $7.2 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/screen-legend-inspires-a-cracker-night-for-nye14|title=Media - City of Sydney - News|website=www.sydneymedia.com.au}}</ref> Throughout the night, "inspiring" messages from Twitter users via the [[hashtag]] "#SydNYE" were projected onto the pylons of the bridge.<ref name=tdt-inspire/> More extended sequences were featured on the Harbour Bridge and a pontoon barge in front. The Sydney Opera House was again used as a launching platform for the third time since the millennium. Australian actor [[Jack Thompson (actor)|Jack Thompson]] was the creative ambassador for 2014/15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/actor-jack-thompson-says-sydney-is-best-city-in-the-world-and-nye-will-prove-it/story-fngr8h22-1227142918677 |title=We’re for Sydney |publisher=Daily Telegraph |date= |accessdate=2018-09-08}}</ref>
The theme was Inspire.


The theme for the 2014–15 edition was "Inspire"; the budget was reported to have increased from $6.8 million to $7.2 million, and Australian actor [[Jack Thompson (actor)|Jack Thompson]] was named the creative ambassador for the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/actor-jack-thompson-says-sydney-is-best-city-in-the-world-and-nye-will-prove-it/story-fngr8h22-1227142918677|title=We're for Sydney|publisher=Daily Telegraph|access-date=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-new-years-eve-the-lightbulb-moment-20141231-12g4uy.html|title=Sydney New Year's Eve: The lightbulb moment|last=Murphy|first=Damien|date=2014-12-31|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref> As part of the theme, viewers were encouraged to post messages on [[Twitter]] using the [[hashtag]] "#SydNYE" for a chance to have them projected on the bridge pylons.<ref name=":1" /> A special display known as the "Inspire moment" was held at 10:40 p.m.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sydney-skies-to-light-up-thrice-in-spectacular-nye-fireworks-display|title=Sydney skies to light up thrice in spectacular NYE fireworks display|website=SBS News|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref> The bridge effect was a stylised [[Electric light|lightbulb]], in honour of the United Nations' declaration of 2015 as the [[International Year of Light]].<ref name=":1" /> In acknowledgement of the [[2014 Sydney hostage crisis|Lindt Cafe siege]], the message "Sydney remembers" was occasionally projected on the pylons.<ref name=":1" />
===2015 and beyond===
[[File:Sydney New Years Eve fireworks 2015.jpg|thumb|Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks 2015. Taken during the 9pm display from Mosman (north of Sydney Harbour).]]
The theme for the [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2015–16|Sydney New Year's Eve 2015]] celebrations was unveiled as 'City of Colour'. The usual emblem or symbol on the bridge supporting the fireworks theme would now be absent, however light displays illuminating the whole bridge would be used for future New Year shows. The Sydney Opera House was again used as a launching platform for the fourth time since the millennium. It is reported that an additional 2,400 fireworks were launched off the harbour bridge itself, and featured new flora-and fauna-inspired effects as tribute to the 200th anniversary of Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden & 100 years of Taronga Zoo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/starring-role-for-sydneys-grand-old-dame|title=Media - City of Sydney - News|website=www.sydneymedia.com.au}}</ref> The hangers of the Sydney Harbour Bridge were re-introduced for a second time since NYE2003. Sequential moments on the harbour bridge itself occurred almost non-stop throughout the entire show, utilising the whole bridge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sydneyspectaculars.net/2015/12/31/why-sydnye-2015-city-of-colour-will-be-the-most-iconic-since-the-millennium/|title=Why #SydNYE 2015 – ‘City Of Colour’ Will Be The Most Iconic Since The Millennium|date=31 December 2015|publisher=Sydney Spectaculars}}</ref>


===2015–2019===
The theme confirmed for [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2016–17|Sydney New Year's Eve 2016]] was 'Welcome to SydNYE'. For the first time, the ABC broadcast of the event was live-streamed through Facebook, YouTube, and the official SydNYE website. The display proved to be the biggest and complex yet, featuring more sequences on the hangers of the harbour bridge, and the city's name ("SYDNEY") being ignited from the bridge's upper arch, as the clock struck midnight. Both the 9:00 pm and Midnight shows also paid tribute to deceased artists [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], [[David Bowie]] and [[Gene Wilder]], which included never-before-seen effects such as; violet droplets, stars, quarter moons, Saturn-shaped shells, and candy-coloured fireworks. The bridge effect was a multi-coloured light show, choreographed to music.
[[File:Sydney New Years Eve fireworks 2015.jpg|thumb|Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks 2015. Taken during the 9&nbsp;pm display from Mosman (north of Sydney Harbour).]]
The 2015–16 theme was "City of Colour". For the first time since the practice was introduced, organisers eschewed the lit symbols that had been used as bridge effects, in favour of constructing a larger array of lighting effects utilising the entire bridge.<ref name=":2" /> Additionally, a [[Welcome to Country]] ceremony was held at sundown prior to the 9 p.m. Family Fireworks, to acknowledge the harbour as territory of the [[Cadigal]], Gamaragal, and [[Wangal]] bands of the [[Eora]] people. The segment's creative director Rhoda Roberts explained that it would "[celebrate] the connection that Australia’s First Peoples have with the land in a way that’s inclusive and fun": the segment featured projections of Aboriginal imagery on the pylons, as well as lighting and pyrotechnic effects on the bridge that were inspired by the [[Australian Aboriginal flag]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv-news/article/2015/12/31/happy-new-year-first-nations-honoured-welcome-country|title=Happy New Year! First Nations honoured with Welcome to Country|website=NITV|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-new-years-eve-2015-welcome-to-country-ceremony-to-be-seen-around-the-world-20151231-glxe01.html|title=Sydney New Year's Eve 2015: Welcome to Country ceremony to be seen around the world|last=Dumas|first=Daisy|date=2015-12-31|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-01/new-year-day-australians-gather-to-ring-in-2016/7062754|title=Partygoers praised after peaceful NYE celebrations|date=2016-01-01|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref>


The 2016–17 theme was "Welcome to SydNYE"; co-producer Catherine Flanagan explained that the theme was about "welcoming everybody to this magical place", particularly tourists. A papercraft sculpture of Sydney Harbour inspired by the event was commissioned from artist Benja Harney, and appeared in promotional material; it carried a florid appearance in honour of the 200th anniversary of the [[Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney|Royal Botanic Garden]]. The welcome to country ceremony added a [[smoking ceremony]] conducted by the [[Tribal Warrior]] and Mari Nawi boats. Tributes to the musicians [[Prince (singer)|Prince]] and [[David Bowie]] were featured during the family and midnight shows respectively, inspired by their songs "[[Purple Rain (song)|Purple Rain]]" and "[[Space Oddity]]". The midnight show also featured a segment that paid tribute to actor [[Gene Wilder]], with candy-shaped firecrackers in a reference to his portrayal of [[Willy Wonka]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/welcoming-2017-to-this-magical-place-the-creative-clout-behind-sydneys-new-years-eve-20170101-gtkf9b.html|title=Welcoming 2017 to 'this magical place': The creative clout behind Sydney's New Years Eve|last=Moloney|first=Phoebe|date=2017-01-01|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-12/new-years-eve-sydney-fireworks-spectacular-celebration-revealed/8113092|title=Everything you need to know about Sydney's NYE fireworks spectacular|last=Brown|first=Michelle|date=2016-12-12|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-30/paper-engineer-inspires-sydney-new-years-eve-fireworks/8154154|title=Sydney's NYE fireworks a paperwork of art|last=Amanda Hoh|date=2016-12-30|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref>
The theme for [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2017-18|Sydney New Year's Eve 2017]] was the catchphrase 'Wonder'. As a nod to Australia's [[Same-sex marriage in Australia| legalisation of same-sex marriage]] and tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Mardi Gras, a rainbow waterfall cascaded from the harbour bridge during the midnight display. The show set the record for Sydney's biggest display yet, featuring 8 tonnes of pyrotechnics (1 tonne more than the previous years), 13,000 aerial shells & 30,000 shooting comets (1000 and 5000 more than in 2016, respectively), and a numerical pyrotechnic countdown on the harbour bridge. For the very first time, six pontoon barges were re-introduced with all three displays, with the pontoons being configured horizontally across the Opera House Northern Forecourt for the Midnight show, and a segment co-designed by Hugh Jackman set to the tune of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu's song; 'Wiyathul'. The artwork from the event's creative artist; Nadia Hernández, served as inspiration for the lighting effects on the harbour bridge featuring new pastel shades, bright orange, pink, lime green, and light blue. The Welcome to the Country ceremony included a tribute marking the 50th anniversary of the Sydney-San Francisco [[sister city]] relationship, with a message from the Muwekma Ohlone peoples of the San Francisco Bay area projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons at the close of the ceremony. The bridge effect incorporated 3000 individual lighting effects designed by lighting director; Ziggy Ziegler.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/12/05/12/51/sydney-new-years-eve-fireworks-celebrate-same-sex-marriage|title=Rainbow waterfall to light up Sydney on NYE - 9News|website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/rainbow-waterfall-heralds-new-dawn-for-equality/|title=Media - City of Sydney - News|website=www.sydneymedia.com.au}}</ref>

The 2017–18 edition featured a total of eight tonnes of pyrotechnics, and a [[rainbow flag]]-coloured waterfall effect to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of [[Sydney Mardi Gras]], and the 9 December 2017 [[Same-sex marriage in Australia|legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-05/same-sex-marriage-rainbow-fireworks-sydney-new-years-eve/9226516|title=Midnight rainbow waterfall will honour LGBTI community this NYE|last=Collins|first=Antonette|date=2017-12-05|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref> The welcome to country ceremony included a special message from the [[Muwekma Ohlone]] community of [[northern California]], in honour of the 50th anniversary of Sydney's [[sister city]] relationship with [[San Francisco]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nit.com.au/rhoda-nye-welcome-covered/|title=Rhoda has NYE Welcome covered|last=Goff|first=Jeremy|date=2017-12-19|website=National Indigenous Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref>


[[File:Sydney New Years Eve celebrations 2018 (rainbow fireworks).jpg|thumb|Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations 2018]]
[[File:Sydney New Years Eve celebrations 2018 (rainbow fireworks).jpg|thumb|Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations 2018]]
The theme for 2018–19 was "The Pulse of Sydney", reflected by new pyrotechnic effects that "[pulsate] in dramatic new shapes", and colour effects that "[move] across the display rather than the traditional explosion from the centre of the firework". The show used 8.5 tonnes of [[pyrotechnics]], and also contained a segment paying tribute to American singer [[Aretha Franklin]] (who died in August 2018).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/new-year-s-eve-how-australia-will-usher-in-2019|title=New Year's Eve: How Australia will usher in 2019|website=SBS News|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/natural-wonders/storm-warning-as-up-to-one-million-people-gather-at-sydney-harbour/news-story/6f04b40d139c3839e9450b7b10347bef|title='Severe' storm before midnight|date=2018-12-31|website=News.com.au|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-s-new-year-s-eve-celebrations-will-be-the-best-so-far-20181204-p50k2x.html|title=Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations 'will be the best so far'|last=Weir|first=Ben|date=2018-12-04|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref>
The theme for [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2018–19|Sydney New Year's Eve 2018]] was "the Pulse of Sydney". The quantity of pyrotechnics exceeded that of last year's, featuring 8.5 tonnes of pyrotechnics (around 500 kilograms more than 2017), and 35,000 shooting comets (5000 more than 2017), making it the biggest show ever staged in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-s-new-year-s-eve-celebrations-will-be-the-best-so-far-20181204-p50k2x.html |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald, Ben Weir|title= Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations 'will be the best so far'|date= 4 December 2018 |accessdate=27 December 2018}}</ref> For the very first time, new wave effects were introduced where the colour moves across the display rather than the traditional burst from the centre of the firework, along with various strobing fireworks in keeping with the year's theme. During the midnight show, gold and silver cascades were featured in a tribute to deceased artist; Aretha Franklin. The Luna Park Ferris Wheel and Harbour of Light vessels were lit in red for the indigenous Calling Country ceremony at 9.08 pm, as well as being synchronised with the Harbour Bridge during the midnight show, featuring various colours. This was Imagination Australia's final year of involvement with the event.

Ahead of the 2019–20 edition, organisers unveiled a new visual identity and branding for the event (in place of an annual theme) designed by Garbett Design.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://garbett.com.au/design/sydney-new-years-eve/|title=Sydney New Year's Eve |publisher=Garbett Design|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref>

There were calls to cancel the fireworks due to the [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|extreme bushfires across the country]], with a petition proposing for their budget to be reallocated to disaster relief purposes. The fires had prompted cancellations and postponements of fireworks celebrations in other areas.<ref name=":0" /> The City of Sydney stated that the fireworks would go on as scheduled, but that "if a total fire ban is declared, we will continue to liaise with NSW Government agencies and the [[New South Wales Rural Fire Service|NSW Rural Fire Service]] to determine the safest way to proceed with the event". Fireworks director Fortunato Foti was to also be consulted in the event of high winds. The Rural Fire Service, which granted an exemption to the fire ban for the show, stated that it did not expect "catastrophic" conditions to return on New Year's Eve.<ref name=":3" /> Highs of 40&nbsp;°C (104&nbsp;°F) were forecast for western Sydney, and special air quality statements were issued in relation to the event.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/entertainment/sydney-nye-fireworks-plans-forge-ahead-c-624829|title=Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks to go ahead despite 40C heatwave|date=2019-12-29|website=[[Seven News|7News]]|language=en-au|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref>

Sydney officials stated that it would be infeasible to cancel the show, as it would be disruptive to tourists and local business, much of the budget had already been spent, and that there would be "little practical benefit for affected communities".<ref name=":0" /> The event's head of audience Tanya Goldberg added that an [[Australian Red Cross]] charity appeal would be promoted throughout the event and telecast. Goldberg explained that "the one thing that will help those communities is to go ahead with the event and leverage the power of it to drive people to donate".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/sydney-nye-organisers-dismiss-grassroots-campaign-to-say-no-to-fireworks/news-story/a321421657f93ec6ab1e86224549e2b7|title=Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks given the go-ahead as popular nearby shows are axed|date=2019-12-30|website=News.com.au|language=en|access-date=2019-12-31}}</ref>

===2020–2022: COVID-19 impact===
==== 2020–21 ====

Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia]], the 2020–21 edition was scaled back to consist only of a shortened, seven-minute fireworks display at midnight, with the Family Fireworks placed on hiatus.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":5" /> In an interview with [[2GB]] on 24 September, [[Premier of New South Wales]] [[Gladys Berejiklian]] discussed plans for ticketed attendance at key vantage points for [[crowd control]] and [[social distancing]] reasons, and remarked of last year's event that Australians "felt relieved that we were still able to have a feeling of normalcy during what was otherwise a very difficult time."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Decent|first=Mary Ward, Tom|date=2020-09-24|title='A symbol of hope': Premier pushes for New Year's fireworks|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-symbol-of-hope-premier-pushes-for-new-year-s-fireworks-20200924-p55ysy.html|access-date=2020-10-07|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sydney's NYE fireworks set to go ahead despite coronavirus restrictions|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-new-years-eve-fireworks-meeting-held-to-give-major-event-go-ahead-despite-coronavirus-concerns/55ec6d9f-d2d7-4d3f-a061-52300cf87046|access-date=2020-10-07|website=9 News}}</ref> The City of Sydney reached an agreement with the state government to grant it "temporary custodianship" of Sydney New Year's Eve.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Gorrey|first=Megan|date=2020-12-21|title=Clover Moore says New Year's Eve fireworks 'should not go ahead' unless it's safe|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/clover-moore-says-new-year-s-eve-fireworks-should-not-go-ahead-unless-it-s-safe-20201221-p56pci.html|access-date=2020-12-22|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref>

A two-stage perimeter was established within Sydney's [[Sydney central business district|central business district]] (CBD), [[Circular Quay]], and [[North Sydney, New South Wales|North Sydney]] on the evening of the event, with the "yellow zone" being patrolled by police to break up large crowds that violate NSW health orders in regards to gatherings,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=NSW eases NYE restrictions after no new cases for 12th day|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-nsw-health-update-12th-consecutive-day-no-locally-acquired-covid19-cases-4sqm-rule-changes-latest-numbers/356465ff-b728-4e3e-9ab7-4f8bf65112c3|access-date=2020-11-19|website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Dexter|first=Mary Ward, Rachael|date=2020-11-19|title=Sydneysiders will require passes to enter CBD on New Year's Eve|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydneysiders-will-require-pass-to-enter-cbd-on-new-year-s-eve-20201119-p56g0i.html|access-date=2020-11-19|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=NYE passes go live. Here's how you get one|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-new-years-eve-2020-nsw-everything-to-know-fireworks-tickets-explainer/e632ebfe-26a7-4ad2-b2da-44fa25a3f0d6|access-date=2020-12-19|website=Nine News}}</ref> and the "green zone" (in closer proximity to the harbour) having restricted access by permit only after 5:00&nbsp;p.m. on New Year's Eve. Permits were only granted to local residents, those who had a confirmed reservation at a hospitality business within a green zone (such as a restaurant or hotel), and employees of businesses within the zone.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":5" />

To honour their involvement, plans were announced for certain "premium" viewing areas on the foreshore to be reserved exclusively to invited frontline workers. Premier [[Gladys Berejiklian|Berejiklian]] scrapped the plan on 28 December amid new cases of [[community transmission]] in Greater Sydney (which had prompted a localised [[stay at home order]] for Sydney's [[Northern Beaches]], and a tightening of restrictions on gatherings elsewhere), stating that there was "too much of a health risk having people from the regions and from Sydney and from broader regional areas congregate all in the CBD". She said that the state government would "find another opportunity during the year to recognise what [they] have done".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-28|title=NSW records five new COVID-19 cases, one death as Premier calls for 'absolute restraint' on NYE|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-28/nsw-records-five-covid-19-cases-nye-celebrations-scaled-back/13016716|access-date=2020-12-28|website=ABC News|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Avalon cluster grows by five as Sydney's NYE plans scaled back|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-northern-beaches-sydney-new-covid-cases-in-nsw-r/cd4b2642-4107-46cd-b140-f4245753428c?ocid=edm-nine.com.au-ninedaily--201228&mktg_scr=edm-ninedaily|access-date=2020-12-28|website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-28|title=What zone are YOU in? NSW split as premier announces restrictions for New Year's Eve|url=https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/nye-covid-sydney-fireworks-state-split-into-sections-to-celebrate-c-1847856|access-date=2020-12-28|website=7NEWS.com.au|language=en}}</ref> It was eventually decided that major harbourfront viewing locations in the green zone would be closed to the public; residents were asked to watch the display on television at home instead.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sydney's New Year's Eve rules explained|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-nsw-sydney-new-years-eve-fireworks-northern-beaches/1f83f328-d71c-4e3c-a925-24020d73aec9|access-date=2020-12-30|website=Nine News}}</ref> It was still possible to view the fireworks by boat in Sydney Harbour.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-29|title=Sydney's luxurious NYE fireworks loophole|url=https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/how-to-watch-sydney-new-years-eve-fireworks-from-the-harbour/news-story/50668c07fc910d02059cc90425fb1487|access-date=2021-01-02|website=News.com.au|language=en}}</ref>

==== 2021–22 ====

In September 2021, amid the [[Delta variant]] outbreak, it was reported that the City of Sydney had suspended the Family Fireworks for a second year in a row due to the uncertainty of holding mass gatherings; the decision faced criticism for having been done unilaterally without discussion from councillors and other stakeholders. On 2 October, it was reported that Lord Mayor [[Clover Moore]] had sent a letter to Minister of Tourism [[Stuart Ayres]], stating that Sydney New Year's Eve would be held "in a similar way to prior to the pandemic", provided that the NSW government "intensify its critical contribution" to the event. She told ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' that "the state government has assured us it will take responsibility for the event or cancel the 9 p.m. fireworks should public health conditions deteriorate." The concerns that led to the initial cancellation included the turnover in audiences between the two shows, and the presence of younger spectators who cannot be [[COVID-19 vaccine|vaccinated for COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Andrew|date=2021-10-02|title=Sydney New Year's Eve saved: Clover Moore agrees to stage 9pm fireworks|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-new-year-s-eve-saved-clover-moore-agrees-to-stage-9pm-fireworks-20210929-p58vsd.html|access-date=2021-10-07|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref>

On 9 December 2021, organisers announced that the 2021–22 theme would be "See Sydney Shine", and that the midnight fireworks' soundtrack would be curated by electronic music duo [[The Presets]]. The Family Fireworks served as the Welcome to Country, and were curated by Indigenous artist [[Blak Douglas]]. Moore stated that the theme would reflect "the beginning of what we hope will be an entirely new year for us, and for the world." Foti stated that the show would feature new effects to make the Harbour Bridge appear to be "dancing with colour", and a record 2,000 fireworks fired from the Sydney Opera House.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Gorrey|first=Megan|date=2021-12-09|title=Harbour city to shine beneath New Year's Eve fireworks|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/harbour-city-to-shine-beneath-new-year-s-eve-fireworks-20211209-p59g6s.html|access-date=2021-12-10|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref> For crowd control and [[contact tracing]] purposes, vantage points on the foreshore were ticketed. The number of areas requiring paid tickets expanded from "a few" in 2020 to 15, including the [[Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney|Royal Botanic Gardens]] and [[Barangaroo, New South Wales|Barangaroo]].<ref name="abc-nye-2021-paid-venue-29dec'21">{{cite news |last1=Cockburn |first1=Cockburn |title=NSW government continues with paid ticketing for NYE fireworks in the name of social distancing |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-29/admission-fees-to-watch-sydney-nye-fireworks/100705066 |access-date=1 January 2022 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=28 December 2021 |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="abc-nye-booked-31dec'21">{{cite news |title=Australia rings in the New Year with spectacular fireworks, heatwave and Omicron not deterring revellers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-31/australians-celebrate-nye-despite-omicron-heatwave/100733352 |access-date=1 January 2022 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=31 December 2021 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

===2023–present===
==== 2022–23 ====

The 2022–23 event was stated to be themed around diversity and inclusion, and estimated to include eight tonnes of fireworks launched from Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and four surrounding buildings. The Family Fireworks featured a performance by Indigenous musicians Akala Newman and [[Kobie Dee]], while the midnight fireworks' soundtrack was curated by [[Stace Cadet]] and [[KLP (musician)|KLP]]. A special three-minute projection and light show was held at 11 p.m. to honour the 45th anniversary of [[Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras]], hosting [[WorldPride]] 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-30 |title=Here is where you attend New Year's Eve celebrations in Australia's capital cities |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-30/new-years-eve-fireworks-australia/101796104 |access-date=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-30 |title=The stage is set for the best New Year's Eve ever |url=https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/the-stage-is-set-for-the-best-new-years-eve-ever |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=City of Sydney |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2023–24 ====

In September 2023, the [[Chris Minns]] state government announced that it would abolish most paid viewing sites on [[Crown land]] along the foreshore for the 2023–24 event, making them open to the public free of charge. The Royal Botanic Gardens and [[Taronga Zoo]] will continue to require paid tickets, as their viewing events are held to benefit the respective institutions. Lord Mayor Moore praised the changes, stating that "creeping commercialisation of State Government public foreshore made it near impossible for many to see the show in person. We have long advocated for the Government to reconsider its decision to charge exorbitant prices to access our public foreshore."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Linda |date=2023-09-03 |title=Free harbour vantage points for New Year's fireworks released |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/free-harbour-vantage-points-for-new-year-s-fireworks-released-20230903-p5e1kh.html |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>


The theme of the event was "One night, many ways to celebrate", with [[18yoman]] and Nooky curating the music for the 9 p.m. fireworks, The Sweats curating the music for the midnight fireworks,<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2023 |title=Spectacular display to light up Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve |url=https://artsreview.com.au/sydney-front-and-centre-of-the-global-new-years-eve-stage/ |access-date=30 August 2024 |website=Australian Arts Review}}</ref> and Sydney-based studio Vandal producing a projection show on the pylons utilizing [[Generative artificial intelligence|generative AI]] imagery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Jessica |date=2023-12-04 |title=Sydney 2023 New Year's Eve program will feature 6-hour AI light show |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/sydney-2023-new-years-eve-program-will-feature-6hour-ai-light-show/news-story/2854bfe85e27d78f6eb367a14e6774a1 |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> 8.5 tonnes of fireworks were used over two displays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foti |first=Fortunato |date=29 December 2023 |title='Meticulously planned': Man behind Sydney NYE fireworks shares what we can expect |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/meticulously-planned-man-behind-sydney-nye-fireworks-shares-what-we-can-expect/eqikcxlz5 |access-date=25 August 2024 |website=SBS News}}</ref>
For the first time since 1995, no theme is confirmed for the Sydney New Years Eve 2019-20 celebrations, instead, the City of Sydney council have chosen a 3 year "visual-identity" featuring artwork by Garbett Design.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sydneyspectaculars.net/fireworks-soundtracks/sydney-nye-2019/ |publisher=Sydney Spectaculars |title=2019 |accessdate=5 December 2019}}</ref>


==Bridge effect==
==Bridge effect==
Central to the firework displays each year since 1999 is the lighting display on the Harbour Bridge known as the "bridge effect". Made of [[rope light]] attached to a [[Structural insulated panel|panel]] and [[truss]] system, the display showcases a variety of symbols and other images related to the current year's theme.
Central to the firework displays each year since 1999 is the lighting display on the Harbour Bridge known as the "bridge effect". Made of [[rope light]] attached to a [[Structural insulated panel|panel]] and [[truss]] system, the display showcased a variety of symbols and other images related to the current year's theme.


In recent times, the bridge has included a rope light display on a [[Architecture framework|framework]] in the centre of the eastern arch, which is used to complement the fireworks. As the [[scaffolding]] and framework are clearly visible for some weeks before the event, revealing the outline of the design, there is much speculation as to how the effect is to be realised. The bridge effect has been designed by [[Brian Thomson (scenic designer)|Brian Thomson]] since 2006, with the lighting designed by Mark Hammer since 2008. Since 2015, the current lighting designer is Ziggy Ziegler.
In recent times, the bridge has included a rope light display on a [[Architecture framework|framework]] in the centre of the eastern arch, which is used to complement the fireworks. As the [[scaffolding]] and framework are clearly visible for some weeks before the event, revealing the outline of the design, there is much speculation as to how the effect is to be realised. The bridge effect has been designed by [[Brian Thomson (scenic designer)|Brian Thomson]] since 2006, with the lighting designed by Mark Hammer since 2008. Since 2015, the current lighting designer is Ziggy Ziegler.
Line 119: Line 145:
! scope="col" | Effect
! scope="col" | Effect
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1996–97
| scope="row" | 1996/97
| rowspan="3" | "Masquerade"
| rowspan="3" | "Masquerade"
| style="text-align:left;" | Sydney AMP Tower was the focal point for the midnight fireworks
| style="text-align:left;" | Centrepoint Tower was the focal point for the midnight fireworks
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1997–98
| scope="row" | 1997/98
| style="text-align:left;" | Smiley face
| style="text-align:left;"| Smiley face
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1998–99
| scope="row" | 1998/99
| style="text-align:left;" | Smiley face
| style="text-align:left;"| Centrepoint Tower was the focal point for the midnight fireworks
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1999–2000
| scope="row" | 1999/2000
| "Sydney's Millennium"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks">{{cite web|url=https://sydneyspectaculars.net/fireworks-soundtracks/ |title=Fireworks Soundtracks |publisher=Sydney Spectaculars}}</ref>
| "Sydney's Millennium"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks">{{cite web|url=https://sydneyspectaculars.net/fireworks-soundtracks/ |title=Fireworks Soundtracks |publisher=Sydney Spectaculars}}</ref>
| style="text-align:left;" | "[[Eternity (graffito)|Eternity]]" in [[Intaglio (printmaking)|copperplate]] writing and a smiley face
| style="text-align:left;" | "[[Eternity (graffito)|Eternity]]" in [[Intaglio (printmaking)|copperplate]] writing and a smiley face
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2000–01
| scope="row" | 2000/01
| "100 Years as a Nation, Millions of Years as a Land"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| "100 Years as a Nation, Millions of Years as a Land"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Rainbow Serpent]] and a [[Commonwealth Star|Federation Star]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Rainbow Serpent]] and a [[Commonwealth Star|Federation Star]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2001–02
| scope="row" | 2001/02
| "Of Beauty Rich and Rare: Australia – The Land"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| "Of Beauty Rich and Rare: Australia – The Land"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Uluru]], and the [[Crux|Southern Cross]] (supporting effect: [[Peace dove|Dove of Peace]])
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Uluru]], and the [[Crux|Southern Cross]] (supporting effect: [[Peace dove|Dove of Peace]])
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2002–03
| scope="row" | 2002/03
| "The World’s Celebration in Union"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| "The World’s Celebration in Union"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| style="text-align:left;" | Dove of Peace and the word "PEACE"
| style="text-align:left;" | Dove of Peace and the word "PEACE"
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2003–04
| scope="row" | 2003/04
| "City of Light"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| "City of Light"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| style="text-align:left;" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
| style="text-align:left;" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2004–05|2004–05]]
| scope="row" | 2004/05
| "Reflections on Australiana"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| "Reflections on Australiana"<ref name="Fireworks Soundtracks"/>
| style="text-align:left;" | Fanfare
| style="text-align:left;" | Disco ball
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2005–06|2005–06]]
| scope="row" | 2005/06
| "Heart of the Harbour"
| "Heart of the Harbour"
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Heart (symbol)|Three concentric hearts]]
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Heart (symbol)|Three concentric hearts]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2006–07|2006–07]]
| scope="row" | 2006/07
| "{{nowrap|A Diamond Night in Emerald City}}"
| "{{nowrap|A Diamond Night in Emerald City}}"
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Clothes hanger|Coathanger]] and a diamond (supporting effect: question mark)
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Clothes hanger|Coathanger]] and a diamond (supporting effect: question mark)
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2007–08|2007–08]]
| scope="row" | 2007/08
| "The Time of Our Lives"
| "The Time of Our Lives"
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Mandala]] and an hourglass<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/gallery |title=Sydney New Years Eve Photos &#124; NYE &#124; The Official Event Website |publisher=Sydneynewyearseve.com |date= |accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Mandala]] and an hourglass<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/gallery |title=Sydney New Years Eve Photos &#124; NYE &#124; The Official Event Website |publisher=Sydneynewyearseve.com |access-date=14 April 2012}}</ref>
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2008–09|2008–09]]
| scope="row" | 2008/09
| "Creation"
| "Creation"
| style="text-align:left;" | Sun (supporting effect: eight-pointed star)
| style="text-align:left;" | Sun (supporting effect: eight-pointed star)
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2009–10|2009–10]]
| scope="row" | 2009/10
| "Awaken the Spirit"
| "Awaken the Spirit"
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Yin and yang]] symbol, blue moon and a ring of fire
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Yin and yang]] symbol, blue moon and a ring of fire
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2010–11|2010–11]]
| scope="row" | 2010/11
| "Make Your Mark"
| "Make Your Mark"
| style="text-align:left;" | [[X mark]], [[Bullseye (target)|Target]] and hand print (supporting effects: smiling face, an asterisk, exclamation mark, the peace symbol, analogue clock, a pointer and an archer)
| style="text-align:left;" | [[X mark]], [[Bullseye (target)|Target]] and hand print (supporting effects: smiling face, an asterisk, exclamation mark, the peace symbol, analogue clock, a pointer and an archer)
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2011–12
| scope="row" | 2011/12
| "Time to Dream"
| "Time to Dream"
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Speech balloon|Thought bubble]] and Endless rainbow (supporting effect: Sun)
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Speech balloon|Thought bubble]] and Endless rainbow (supporting effect: Sun)
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2012–13|2012–13]]
| scope="row" | 2012/13
| "Embrace"
| "Embrace"<ref name=":12" />
| style="text-align:left;" | Butterfly and lip
| style="text-align:left;" | Butterfly and lip
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2013–14|2013–14]]
| scope="row" | 2013/14
| "Shine"
| "Shine"<ref name=":13" />
| style="text-align:left;" | Eye (supporting effect: a UFO and a blue star)
| style="text-align:left;" | Eye; the Family Fireworks featured an effect of aliens travelling in a spaceship.<ref name=":13" />
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2014–15|2014–15]]
| scope="row" | 2014/15
| "Inspire"<ref name=tdt-inspire>{{cite news|title=Tweet your messages to the Bridge on NYE|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/tweet-your-messages-to-the-bridge-on-nye/story-fni0cx12-1227143193556|website=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=5 December 2014|date=3 December 2014}}</ref>
| "Inspire"<ref name=tdt-inspire>{{cite news|title=Tweet your messages to the Bridge on NYE|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/tweet-your-messages-to-the-bridge-on-nye/story-fni0cx12-1227143193556|website=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=5 December 2014|date=3 December 2014}}</ref>
| style="text-align:left;" | Light bulb (with love heart inside it) (supporting effect: seahorses)
| style="text-align:left;" | Light bulb<ref name=":1" />(supporting effects: hearts and seahorses)
|-
|-
| scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2015–16|2015–16]]
| scope="row" | 2015/16
| "City of Colour"
| "City of Colour"<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" />
| rowspan="5" | Light show on Sydney Harbour Bridge
| rowspan="9" | Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
|-
|-
|scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2016–17|2016–17]]
|scope="row" | 2016/17
| "Welcome to SydNYE"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/paper-art-to-reshape-sydney-harbour-this-nye/|title=Media - City of Sydney - News|website=www.sydneymedia.com.au}}</ref>
| "Welcome to SydNYE"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/paper-art-to-reshape-sydney-harbour-this-nye/|title=Media City of Sydney News|website=www.sydneymedia.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|-
|scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2017–18|2017–18]]
|scope="row" | 2017/18
|"Wonder"<ref name="sydneynewyearseve.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/about//|title=Welcome to SydNYE|publisher=}}</ref>
|"Wonder"<ref name="sydneynewyearseve.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/about//|title=Welcome to SydNYE}}</ref>
|-
|-
|scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2018–19|2018–19]]
|scope="row" | 2018/19
|"Pulse of Sydney"<ref name="sydneynewyearseve.com"/>
|"The Pulse of Sydney"<ref name="sydneynewyearseve.com"/>
|-
|-
|scope="row" | [[Sydney New Year's Eve 2019–20|2019–20]]
|scope="row" | 2019/20
| "Unity"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bain|first=Cassandra|date=2019-12-29|title=Sydney New Year's Eve show to welcome refugees with 'unity' theme|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sydney-new-year-s-eve-show-to-welcome-refugees-with-unity-theme|access-date=2021-01-05|website=SBS News|language=en}}</ref>
|N/A
|-
|scope="row" | 2020/21
|"We Are One"<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-01|title=Australians welcome 2021 with fireworks on empty Sydney Harbour|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australians-welcome-2021-with-fireworks-on-empty-sydney-harbour|access-date=2021-01-05|website=SBS News|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|scope="row" | 2021/22
|"See Sydney Shine"<ref name=":11" />
|-
|scope="row" | 2022/23
|Diversity and inclusion<ref name=":03" />
|-
|scope="row" | 2023/24
|"One night, many ways to celebrate"<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-12-04|title='Visual feast': Sydney NYE program unveiled|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/visual-feast-sydney-nye-program-013400056.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFGSRJx3aF7TFqPSMgoT3jkQlPtaZEdPQmwpz-6D10vXwQsIaPqhYSAxrt7Gx-0wDzYzENto8kR-nIL4PDyy9Di9v5oRPMtm18QT9wphAm25zhZIa1zGDAiDBFXopGz17nGHzcjNdvt-EmVqq5459VNWynaMvZp_972DHr_W544t|access-date=2023-12-04|website=Yahoo! News|language=en}}</ref>
|}
|}


==="Waterfall" effect===
===Waterfall effect===
[[File:Sydney habour bridge & opera house fireworks new year eve 2008.jpg|thumb|right|The ''waterfall effect'' seen on NYE 2008.]]
[[File:Sydney habour bridge & opera house fireworks new year eve 2008.jpg|thumb|right|The ''waterfall effect'' seen on NYE 2008.]]
A continual stream of fireworks falling from the base of the bridge down to actually touch the water. The waterfall comprises approximately 1100 candle fireworks. Each year, it has been a traditional golden waterfall.
A continual stream of fireworks falling from the base of the bridge down to actually touch the water. The waterfall comprises approximately 1,100 candle fireworks. Each year, it has been a traditional golden waterfall.


Some years the waterfall effect has been changed such as on NYE 2000 when the waterfall changed colours from gold to silver. NYE 2000 was also unique in that fireworks were also fired for the first time from the gantry of the bridge.
Some years the waterfall effect has been changed such as on NYE 2000 when the waterfall changed colours from gold to silver. NYE 2000 was also unique in that fireworks were also fired for the first time from the gantry of the bridge.
Line 220: Line 258:
NYE 2004 had the traditional golden waterfall effect except that it slowed crossed the bridge from south to north. This was a difficult set up due to the arch's access but a first of its kind on the bridge with a spectacular "torrent style" waterfall effect.
NYE 2004 had the traditional golden waterfall effect except that it slowed crossed the bridge from south to north. This was a difficult set up due to the arch's access but a first of its kind on the bridge with a spectacular "torrent style" waterfall effect.


On NYE 2015 a waterfall with fireworks cascaded during the middle of the family fireworks display.
NYE 2009 saw a "lollipop" waterfall effect shoot off the catwalk of the bridge during the 9 pm Family Fireworks. This was followed on NYE 2010 where a red and white checkerboard waterfall effect shot off the catwalk of the bridge during the 9 pm Family Fireworks. NYE 2011 saw a colourful waterfall effect shot off during the 9 pm Family Fireworks. NYE 2014 saw a red and white waterfall effect shot off during the 9pm Family Fireworks. NYE 2015 saw a colourful waterfall effect shot off during the 9 pm Family Fireworks. NYE 2016 saw a purple waterfall effect shot off during the 9 pm Family Fireworks as a tribute to deceased artist Prince.

While on NYE 2017, a rainbow waterfall cascaded from the harbour bridge during the midnight show, celebrating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia.


On NYE 2017 a rainbow waterfall cascaded from the Harbour Bridge during the midnight show, celebrating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia. This was repeated on NYE 2022, celebrating Sydney hosting WorldPride in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=agencies |first=Guardian staff and |date=2022-12-31 |title=Sydney leads global New Year's Eve celebrations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/31/sydney-leads-global-new-years-eve-celebrations |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>
NYE2018 saw a red and white waterfall effect fired off from the Sydney Harbour Bridge during 9 pm Family Fireworks.


The years where the traditional golden waterfall effect has not been featured completely are; NYE 2000 (golden to silver), NYE 2002 (green & white strobing angelic), NYE 2005 (red to white strobing angelic), and NYE 2006 (green strobing angelic).
The years where the traditional golden waterfall effect has not been featured completely are; NYE 2000 (golden to silver), NYE 2002 (green & white strobing angelic), NYE 2005 (red to white strobing angelic), and NYE 2006 (green strobing angelic).


The golden waterfall was to be used again on NYE 2018, however, it failed to ignite as programmed.
The golden waterfall was to be used again on NYE 2018, however, it failed to ignite as programmed.
The waterfall was successfully used the following year on NYE 2019 to welcome in 2020.


For the first time since 2006, the traditional golden waterfall was briefly accompanied by a white strobing angelic waterfall for NYE 2020.
==="Birthday cake" effect===
Originally fired for the [[Australia Day]] [[Australian Bicentenary|Bicenntenial Celebrations]] in 1988, the effect has been used to close the fireworks display with its loudness and brightness. The effect comprises 200 long-burning comets shooting out balls of fire 250 feet into the sky, with a silver star effect at the end fired off the top of the bridge, simulating a big birthday cake with 200 lit candles. This effect has closed every Sydney New Year's Eve between NYE 1996 and NYE 1998. It was used in the finale of the NYE 1999 celebrations. The effect has not been used in Sydney New Year's Eve since NYE 1999.


==Broadcast==
==Broadcast==
From 1996–2006, the rights to the television broadcast were held by the [[Nine Network]] with [[Richard Wilkins (TV presenter)|Richard Wilkins]] as a host for almost every year. From 2006–09, Network Ten was broadcaster after winning a three-year deal from Nine. In 2009, Nine regained the rights back from Ten until 2013. [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]], [[ABC HD (Australian TV channel)|ABC HD]] and [[ABC Australia (Asia-Pacific Television)|ABC Australia]] had the rights since 2013.
From 1996 to 2006, the rights to the television broadcast were held by the [[Nine Network]] with [[Richard Wilkins (TV presenter)|Richard Wilkins]] as a host for almost every year and [[Eddie McGuire]] and [[Richard Wilkins (TV presenter)|Richard Wilkins]] as a co-host for the 1999–2000 telecast. From 2006 to 2009, [[Network 10|Network Ten]] was broadcaster after winning a three-year deal from Nine. In 2009, Nine regained the rights back from [[Network 10|Ten]] until 2013. The [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) has held the rights since 2013, with coverage being carried by [[ABC TV (Australian TV channel)|ABC TV]] and [[ABC Australia (Asia-Pacific TV channel)|ABC Australia]].<ref name=":14" /> On radio, the fireworks' soundtrack is simulcast by [[KIIS 106.5|KIIS 1065]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Year's Eve TV Guide: Not just Sydney fireworks on ABC |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/new-years-eve-tv-guide-sydney-fireworks-on-abc-but-plenty-of-bang-elsewhere-too/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=www.mediaweek.com.au}}</ref>


The [[City of Sydney]] put its Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks coverage to [[Request for tender|tender]], following the conclusion of ABC's two-year contract.<ref>[http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/01/nye-broadcast-to-go-to-tender.html NYE Broadcast to go to tender], ''[[TV Tonight]]'', 4 January 2015</ref> However, the ABC held broadcast rights since 2013<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|first=David|last=Knox|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/11/abc-to-broadcast-new-years-eve-fireworks-again.html|title=ABC to broadcast New Year’s Eve fireworks again |date=13 November 2015|accessdate=13 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/08/abc-invites-kids-to-enter-new-years-eve-fireworks-design-contest.html|title=ABC invites kids to enter New Year’s Eve fireworks design contest|date=16 August 2016|accessdate=16 August 2016|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|first=David|last=Knox}}</ref> for the Sydney New Year's Eve coverage.
The [[City of Sydney]] put its Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks coverage to [[Request for tender|tender]] following the conclusion of the ABC's two-year contract,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-04 |title=NYE broadcast to go to tender {{!}} TV Tonight |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/01/nye-broadcast-to-go-to-tender.html |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=tvtonight.com.au |language=en-AU}}</ref> with the broadcaster having continued as broadcaster since.<ref name=":14">{{cite web|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|first=David|last=Knox|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/11/abc-to-broadcast-new-years-eve-fireworks-again.html|title=ABC to broadcast New Year's Eve fireworks again |date=13 November 2015|access-date=13 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/08/abc-invites-kids-to-enter-new-years-eve-fireworks-design-contest.html|title=ABC invites kids to enter New Year's Eve fireworks design contest|date=16 August 2016|access-date=16 August 2016|publisher=[[TV Tonight]]|first=David|last=Knox}}</ref> The 2015 fireworks were the first to utilise [[Aerial photography|drone]]-mounted cameras for additional angles,<ref name=":1" /> and since 2016, an official international webcast has been streamed on platforms such as [[Facebook]].<ref name=":2" />

The ABC's tenure as rightsholder has faced mixed reception; its first telecast for 2013–14 telecast was described as a "train wreck" by viewers, with criticism over flirtatious remarks made by the presenters and offensive comments about public figures, and suspicions by viewers that the presenters were [[Alcohol intoxication|intoxicated]]. The ABC defended the broadcast, stating that its team had done a "terrific job" given the circumstances, and stated that the number of formal complaints it received from viewers was "not extraordinary for program with an audience of this size".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galvin |first=Nick |date=2014-01-02 |title=ABC defends: we did a terrific job on New Year's Eve coverage |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/abc-defends-we-did-a-terrific-job-on-new-years-eve-coverage-20140102-3076g.html |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> During the 2014–15 telecast, co-host [[Julia Zemiro]] was caught on a [[hot mic]] saying "oh, thank God" at the conclusion of the broadcast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Idato |first=Michael |date=2015-01-01 |title=Julia Zemiro thanked God when the ABC's 2014 New Year's Eve telecast was over |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/julia-zemiro-thanked-god-when-the-abcs-2014-new-years-eve-telecast-was-over-20150101-12gcw6.html |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> The 2015–16 broadcast was criticised by viewers on social media (including calls for the rights to move back to the Nine Network), though that year's pub quiz was praised, with viewers being complimentary of host [[Lawrence Mooney]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowden |first=Ebony |date=2016-01-01 |title=ABC's 'pathetic' New Year's Eve coverage slammed by viewers - again |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/abcs-pathetic-new-years-eve-coverage-slammed-by-viewers--again-20160101-glxo9t.html |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
Line 246: Line 284:
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1996/97
| scope="row" | 1996/97
| rowspan="6" | Nine Network
| rowspan="7" | [[Nine Network]]
| [[Richard Wilkins (TV presenter)|Richard Wilkins]]<br />[[Catriona Rowntree]]
| [[Richard Wilkins (TV presenter)|Richard Wilkins]]<br />[[Catriona Rowntree]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1997/98<br />1998/99
| scope="row" | 1997/98
| Richard Wilkins<br />[[Kim Watkins]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1998/99
| Richard Wilkins<br />[[Hugh Jackman]]
| Richard Wilkins<br />[[Hugh Jackman]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 1999/2000
| scope="row" | 1999/2000
| [[Eddie McGuire]]
| Richard Wilkins<br/>[[Eddie McGuire]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2000/01
| scope="row" | 2000/01
Line 265: Line 306:
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2006/07
| scope="row" | 2006/07
| rowspan="2" | Network Ten
| rowspan="2" | [[Network 10]]
| [[Gretel Killeen]]<br />[[Daniel MacPherson]]
| [[Gretel Killeen]]<br />[[Daniel MacPherson]]
|-
|-
Line 272: Line 313:
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2009/10
| scope="row" | 2009/10
| rowspan="4" | Nine Network
| rowspan="4" | [[Nine Network]]
| [[Leila McKinnon]]<br />[[Cameron Williams]]
| [[Leila McKinnon]]<br />[[Cameron Williams]]
|-
|-
Line 279: Line 320:
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2011/12
| scope="row" | 2011/12
| [[Jesinta Franklin|Jesinta Campbell]]<br />[[Cameron Williams]]<br />[[Jaynie Seal]]
| [[Jesinta Franklin|Jesinta Campbell]]<br />Cameron Williams<br />[[Jaynie Seal]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2012/13
| scope="row" | 2012/13
| [[Catriona Rowntree]]<br />[[Jason Dundas]]
| Catriona Rowntree<br />[[Jason Dundas]]
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2013/14
| scope="row" | 2013/14
| rowspan="6" |[[ABC (Australian TV channel)|ABC]]<br />[[ABC HD (Australian TV channel)|ABC HD]]<br />[[ABC Australia (Asia-Pacific Television)|ABC Australia]]
| rowspan="8" |[[ABC TV (Australian TV channel)|ABC]]<br />[[ABC HD (Australian TV channel)|ABC HD]]<br />[[ABN (TV station)|ABN]]<br />[[ABC Australia (Southeast Asian TV channel)|ABC Australia]]
| [[Lawrence Mooney]]<br />[[Stephanie Brantz]]
| [[Lawrence Mooney]]<br />[[Stephanie Brantz]]
|-
|-
Line 295: Line 336:
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2016/17
| scope="row" | 2016/17
| [[Jeremy Fernandez]]<br /> [[Ella Hooper]]
| [[Jeremy Fernandez]]<br /> Ella Hooper
|-
|-
| scope="row" | 2017/18<br />2018/19<br />2019/20
| scope="row" | 2017/18<br />2018/19<br />2019/20
| [[Charlie Pickering]]<br /> [[Zan Rowe]]
| [[Charlie Pickering]]<br /> [[Zan Rowe]]
|-
| scope="row" | 2020/21
| Charlie Pickering<br /> Zan Rowe<br /> Jeremy Fernandez<br /> [[Linda Marigliano]]
|-
| scope="row" | 2021/22<br/>2022/23
| Charlie Pickering<br /> Zan Rowe<br /> Jeremy Fernandez
|-
| scope="row" | 2023/24
| Charlie Pickering<br /> Zan Rowe<br /> Concetta Caristo
|-
|}
|}

==Controversies==
===NYE 2004 soundtrack===
The dance remix of ''[[Advance Australia Fair]]/[[Waltzing Matilda]] (by Hylton Mowday)'' was composed especially for the event. It caused a backlash among the public, most notably, the Prime Minister of Australia of the time, [[John Howard]]. He said, "the public will not be able to sing along. The anthem should only be played and sung to allow maximum audience participation. It is after all our national anthem and I don't think it should be played around with. It's become widely accepted and I think people should be encouraged to sing it with great gusto, but it's got to be played in a way that enables them to do so. Most of us are pretty inadequate singers at the best of times and trying to keep pace with that, I don't know about you but gee I couldn't".<ref>{{cite news |title=PM unhappy with techno national anthem|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-12-15/pm-unhappy-with-techno-national-anthem/603126 |publisher=ABC.net.au |date=16 December 2004 |accessdate=11 January 2015 }}</ref>

The NSW Opposition Leader of the time, [[John Brogden (politician)|John Brogden]] was quoted to say "it is simply a bad piece of music. I think it actually strangles the national anthem, which is what I think is upsetting people the most. It's not like it's a slight change in the version that people are willing to entertain for a party. What it is on this occasion is a very bad piece of music and that's why I think the public anger has been so strong. I think people actually regard the treatment of the national anthem as disrespectful, cause it just doesn't work."<ref>{{cite news |title=It's terrible, says PM|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Its-terrible-says-PM/2004/12/15/1102787124169.html|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=15 December 2004 |accessdate=11 January 2015 }}</ref>

===Network Ten coverage===
On NYE 2006–07, Network Ten received many complaints regarding its first ever coverage of the event. The main issue was with a special episode of ''[[The Big Night In with John Foreman]]'', shown between the two firework displays where [[Matthew Newton]] simulated oral sex with [[John Foreman (musician)|Foreman]] and pretended to play a piano with his penis.<ref>{{cite news |author=Gosnell, Peter |title=Ten's smutty party an insult|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,21001182-10388,00.html |publisher=[[news.com.au]] |date=2 January 2007 |accessdate=8 January 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Gosnell, Peter |title=Zero out of Ten|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21005425-5001031,00.html |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 January 2007 |accessdate=9 March 2008 }}</ref>

===ABC coverage===
Over the last few years, the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] has received [[Twitter]] complaints regarding its coverage. For its first ceremony in 2013–14, viewers on the service commented on the networks coverage as a "train wreck" and made unsubstantiated claims the show's talent was intoxicated on-air. Those complaints also cited unusual flirtations between presenters, including co-presenter [[Stephanie Brantz]] warning [[Lawrence Mooney]] to return to a serious focus.<ref>[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/television/angry-viewers-have-vented-their-outrage-at-coverage-of-new-years-eve-on-abc1/story-fni0cc2a-1226793430047 Angry viewers have vented their outrage at coverage of New Year's Eve on ABC1], ''Herald Sun'', 2 January 2014</ref> The following year's 2014–15 coverage received less criticism, though the coverage was also criticized by Twitter complaints for the technical quality of the ceremony and surrounding coverage, including co-host [[Julia Zemiro]] being caught on a hot mic saying "oh, thank God" when the closing credits came on-screen.<ref>[http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/abc-new-years-eve-coverage-needs-a-cracker-up-its-clacker-declares-claire-harvey/story-fni0cwl5-1227171776666?nk=d7bb94b2ff7c54eb6a29f044d97f6d56 ABC New Year's Eve coverage needs a cracker up its clacker* declares Claire Harvey ], ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'', 1 January 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/julia-zemiro-thanked-god-when-the-abcs-2014-new-years-eve-telecast-was-over-20150101-12gcw6.html Julia Zemiro thanked God when the ABC's 2014 New Year's Eve telecast was over], ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 1 January 2015</ref> In 2015-16, the show's [[hashtag]] was used to complain about the ceremony (including calls for future years to return to Nine), though that year's pub quiz was praised, with viewers being complimentary of host [[Lawrence Mooney]].<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/news-and-current-affairs/abcs-pathetic-new-years-eve-coverage-slammed-by-viewers--again-20160101-glxo9t.html ABC's 'pathetic' New Year's Eve coverage slammed by viewers – again]''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' 1 January 2016</ref>

===Threat of bushfires===

In response to the [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|ongoing bushfires]] hitting parts of Australia, a petition was set up urging the organisers to cancel the firework display over the threat of bushfires hitting the local area. Over the next few days after being launched, the petition received over 250,000 signatures.

In response to the petition, the City of Sydney Council stated that they would not cancel the firework display planned and that it would go ahead.

The council did place precautionary measures in response to the bushfires.


==References==
==References==
Line 334: Line 365:
[[Category:Australian Broadcasting Corporation specials]]
[[Category:Australian Broadcasting Corporation specials]]
[[Category:Nine Network specials]]
[[Category:Nine Network specials]]
[[Category:Network Ten specials]]
[[Category:Network 10 specials]]
[[Category:Sydney New Year's Eve]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1996]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1996]]
[[Category:Annual television programs]]
[[Category:Annual television shows]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:1990s in Sydney]]
[[Category:1990s in Sydney]]
[[Category:Sydney]]

Latest revision as of 18:59, 5 November 2024

Sydney New Year's Eve
Opening sequence of the 2006/07 Midnight Fireworks.
GenreNew Year's Eve event
Date(s)31 December/1 January
Begins8:30 pm (AEDT)
Ends12:30 am (AEDT)
FrequencyAnnual
Location(s)Sydney
Years active1976–present
Inaugurated1976; 48 years ago (1976)
FounderSyd Howard
Most recent2023/24
Previous event2022/23
Next event2024/25
Attendance1.6 million[1][2]
Budget$5.8 million (as of 2022–23)[3]

Sydney New Year's Eve is an annual New Year's Eve fireworks event in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The event currently consists of two fireworks shows, with an evening display known as the "Family Fireworks" held at 9:00 p.m. AEDT, and the main "Midnight Fireworks" held at 12:00 a.m. Fireworks are launched from barges in Port Jackson, as well as nearby landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which serves as the main focal point of the show via lighting and pyrotechnic effects.

As one of the first major cities to celebrate the New Year, the event is widely-viewed in Australia and worldwide.[4] Organizers have estimated the annual in-person attendance of the event to be around 1.5 to 1.6 million, with tourists accounting for a large portion of its attendees.[5][6] Some locations, such as the Royal Botanic Garden, host ticketed seating areas.[7]

The event is usually organised by the City of Sydney however in 2020, it was scaled back and the state government of New South Wales was given "temporary custodianship" of the event for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at the time.

History

[edit]

Origins

[edit]

In 1976, the Sydney Committee decided to reconstitute a failing Waratah Festival as the Festival of Sydney. At the first meeting of its Programme Committee, they agreed that New Year's Eve should launch the new festival, a 'big bang affair'. Focusing on the harbour and adjacent areas, it would include a sail-past of decorated craft, music, and a 'spectacular fireworks display at midnight'. With this, the Festival of Sydney made New Year's Eve official for the first time. Stephen Hall was its Executive Director from 1977 to 1994.[8] The 1979/80 brochure for the Festival featured an image of the fireworks over the Sydney Opera House and the slogan "Get into the '80s with a bang".[9]

Inspiration to use the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a launchpad for fireworks came from the use of fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 1983.[10]

Syd Howard, pyrotechnician, used his inspiration and the chances given to him to put fireworks displays on Sydney Harbour to use the bridge as a launchpad for fireworks. His first opportunity was in 1986 for the 75th Anniversary Review of the Royal Australian Navy. Here he introduced the "waterfall" effect as well as a pyrotechnic message on the bridge. The message read "NSW salutes Royal Australian Navy" and employed thousands of cigarette-style fireworks to create the lettering. It hung over the side of the pedestrian walkway.

From NYE 1996 to NYE 1999, management of the event was contracted out to Ric Birch's Spectak Productions. Birch, known for his work on numerous Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies brought with him former Jimmy and the Boys frontman Ignatius Jones as Creative Director and Catriona Brown as Senior Producer.

1996–1999

[edit]

The original Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks display (NYE 1996) was designed by Syd Howard Fireworks. The event used the pylons, arch and catwalk of the bridge, city buildings and one barge located in front of the Sydney Opera House. There was a ten-second pyrotechnic countdown. Each second, one shooting comet shot off a different building starting from North Sydney and finishing at AMP Tower to form an Olympic Torch to welcome in 1997.

For NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks included the Star City Casino. The AMP Tower turned into a ticking clock with shooting comets slowly rotating around the top of the tower. The soundtrack for the countdown was a ticking clock before a bell toll rang in 1999. This bell toll also turned AMP Tower into an Olympic Torch. Also, from NYE 1997, the Midnight Fireworks were extended to include the Harbour Bridge, the 9 pm Family Fireworks were extended to include two barges (one on each side of the bridge) and the displays were co-designed by Foti International Fireworks and Syd Howard Fireworks.

On NYE 1999 the Apollo 11 countdown, as well as air raid sirens, provided the soundtrack for the countdown. A smiley face was visible on the bridge during the show, until the finale revealed the word "Eternity" in Copperplate writing, in honour of Arthur Stace. Fireworks were also launched from the Centrepoint Tower. A rather unusual feature of the 1999 display was a selection of tugboats that made their way through the harbour, each one carrying a colourful, brightly lit model of a particular sea creature. The Fireworks Soundtrack included a five-minute "History Of Pop" featuring hits from the 1890s to the 1990s.

2000–2004

[edit]

Since 2000, the displays have been fully designed and created by Foti International Fireworks.[11] During NYE 2000, a larger than life birthday cake was unveiled well before midnight to celebrate 100 years of Australia as a nation. It was placed in front of the northern forecourt of the Opera House on a pontoon. At midnight, the cake lit up with a chasing lighting effect running from the bottom of the cake to the top. A Federation Star representing 100 years since the federation of Australia appeared on the bridge during the finale.

On NYE 2001, A dove of peace slowly came into view to speak peace to the world after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York. On NYE 2002, the city buildings were removed from the fireworks displays. The 9 pm family fireworks had to be cancelled due to high winds of 90 km/h (56 mph). Those fireworks were then rescheduled to Australia Day, but were cancelled again, this time due to a total fire ban. An animated dove appeared on the bridge during the finale.

After six years as creative director, Ignatius Jones stepped down in 2002 to be replaced by former Melbourne and Sydney Festival artistic director Leo Schofield. Ken Wilby moved on the following year with the event's production manager Ed Wilkinson elevated to the producer role from 2003 to 2005.

The Sydney Harbour celebrations on NYE 2004.

On NYE 2003, a fifteen-second countdown was accompanied with the striking of a gong at midnight. For the first time, fireworks were launched off the vertical hangers of the bridge in a one-off display. From NYE 2004, the first 3D bridge effect was used. Also in that year, the fireworks display was viewed as a disco with pop music and a disco ball suspended from the bridge. The show concluded with a remix of the national anthem "Advance Australia Fair" combined with folk song "Waltzing Matilda". The remix was criticised by politicians; in an interview with 6PR, Prime Minister John Howard stated that he had a "very strong view that the national anthem should be sung and played in a way that facilitates maximum audience participation in its singing",[12] while Leader of the Opposition of New South Wales John Brogden called it '"simply a bad piece of music".[13]

2005–2009

[edit]

On NYE 2005, a beating heart was the icon on the bridge that appeared after the 9 pm fireworks display. The fireworks themselves during the show exploded in Heart shapes. Former Sydney Theatre Company head Wayne Harrison joined Katrina Marton in taking over leadership of the event as Creative Director and Producer respectively for the events from 2005 to 2007.

NYE 2006 saw the four barges feature for the 9 pm Family Fireworks while six barges feature with the city buildings return for the midnight show and in addition, it had a ten-second countdown projected on the pylons starting with the logo for Network 10. A question mark was shown in the nights leading up to the celebrations, which also doubled up as the curved end of the coat hanger.

Sydney New Year's Eve 2008–09

In NYE 2007, the bridge acted as a seventh barge for the first time shooting fireworks throughout the show instead of just during the beginning and finale.

In NYE 2008, the bridge, seven city buildings and six barges staged in the biggest fireworks display yet, increasing from $4 million worth of fireworks to $5 million. Brenton Kewley, who had worked on the event since 1996 in various roles, including Art Director and Associate Producer took over as Producer for the 2008 and 2009 events while journalist and broadcaster Rhoda Roberts took over from Wayne Harrison in 2008.

During NYE 2009, the countdown started with messages projected on the pylons. The pyrotechnic countdown was started by launching an exploding mine on a barge in front of the bridge. For the first time, microchip fireworks were used in the show which lasted longer in the sky and were more accurate when synchronised with music. The show consisted of $5 million worth of fireworks running for twelve minutes. A Yin Yang symbol appeared on the bridge during the finale. Once again, more fireworks exploded on the bridge throughout the entire show when compared with previous NYE displays.

2010–2014

[edit]

On NYE 2010, the creative direction was still Rhoda Roberts. The theme was "Make Your Mark", reflecting on the decade gone and the lasting impressions left by our actions; as well as reflecting on ways in which all people can make their mark by contributing to a better future. For the very first time the bridge effect was multi-layered, which included more than ten signs and symbols.

In 2011, Aneurin Coffey took over as Producer having been Production Manager since 2006. 2011 also saw a change from individual creative directors to a creative agency, Imagination Australia, which promoted Marc Newson as creative spokesperson. The theme was "Time to Dream". The display, for the very first time, was choreographed to an all-Australian soundtrack created by music production house s:amplify which included original composition. This marks the first year, a ninety-second countdown was featured on the bridge effect.

In March 2012, Imagination appointed Australian singer Kylie Minogue as creative ambassador for the 2012–13 event, overseeing the soundtrack and visual direction for the event and its official parties. Minogue's involvement was part of her year-long commemoration of 25 years in the music industry.[14][15] The official theme was "Embrace";[16] the show's budget increased from $6.3 million to $6.5 million, and the city announced plans for the event to be carbon neutral through the use of biodegradable cases for the firework shells, among other aspects. Foti stated that the event would feature new firework shapes such as bees, butterflies, koalas, and a semiquaver designed for Minogue.[17][18]

The 2013–14 theme was "Shine"; artist Reg Mombassa served as creative ambassador, and oversaw that year's bridge effect—a giant blinking eye. In addition, the event featured a special minute-long firework display at 10:30 p.m. that was inspired by Mombassa's painting "Cranium Universe".[19][20]

The theme for the 2014–15 edition was "Inspire"; the budget was reported to have increased from $6.8 million to $7.2 million, and Australian actor Jack Thompson was named the creative ambassador for the show.[21][22] As part of the theme, viewers were encouraged to post messages on Twitter using the hashtag "#SydNYE" for a chance to have them projected on the bridge pylons.[22] A special display known as the "Inspire moment" was held at 10:40 p.m.[23] The bridge effect was a stylised lightbulb, in honour of the United Nations' declaration of 2015 as the International Year of Light.[22] In acknowledgement of the Lindt Cafe siege, the message "Sydney remembers" was occasionally projected on the pylons.[22]

2015–2019

[edit]
Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks 2015. Taken during the 9 pm display from Mosman (north of Sydney Harbour).

The 2015–16 theme was "City of Colour". For the first time since the practice was introduced, organisers eschewed the lit symbols that had been used as bridge effects, in favour of constructing a larger array of lighting effects utilising the entire bridge.[24] Additionally, a Welcome to Country ceremony was held at sundown prior to the 9 p.m. Family Fireworks, to acknowledge the harbour as territory of the Cadigal, Gamaragal, and Wangal bands of the Eora people. The segment's creative director Rhoda Roberts explained that it would "[celebrate] the connection that Australia’s First Peoples have with the land in a way that’s inclusive and fun": the segment featured projections of Aboriginal imagery on the pylons, as well as lighting and pyrotechnic effects on the bridge that were inspired by the Australian Aboriginal flag.[25][26][27]

The 2016–17 theme was "Welcome to SydNYE"; co-producer Catherine Flanagan explained that the theme was about "welcoming everybody to this magical place", particularly tourists. A papercraft sculpture of Sydney Harbour inspired by the event was commissioned from artist Benja Harney, and appeared in promotional material; it carried a florid appearance in honour of the 200th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden. The welcome to country ceremony added a smoking ceremony conducted by the Tribal Warrior and Mari Nawi boats. Tributes to the musicians Prince and David Bowie were featured during the family and midnight shows respectively, inspired by their songs "Purple Rain" and "Space Oddity". The midnight show also featured a segment that paid tribute to actor Gene Wilder, with candy-shaped firecrackers in a reference to his portrayal of Willy Wonka.[24][28][29]

The 2017–18 edition featured a total of eight tonnes of pyrotechnics, and a rainbow flag-coloured waterfall effect to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of Sydney Mardi Gras, and the 9 December 2017 legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia.[30] The welcome to country ceremony included a special message from the Muwekma Ohlone community of northern California, in honour of the 50th anniversary of Sydney's sister city relationship with San Francisco.[31]

Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations 2018

The theme for 2018–19 was "The Pulse of Sydney", reflected by new pyrotechnic effects that "[pulsate] in dramatic new shapes", and colour effects that "[move] across the display rather than the traditional explosion from the centre of the firework". The show used 8.5 tonnes of pyrotechnics, and also contained a segment paying tribute to American singer Aretha Franklin (who died in August 2018).[32][33][34]

Ahead of the 2019–20 edition, organisers unveiled a new visual identity and branding for the event (in place of an annual theme) designed by Garbett Design.[35]

There were calls to cancel the fireworks due to the extreme bushfires across the country, with a petition proposing for their budget to be reallocated to disaster relief purposes. The fires had prompted cancellations and postponements of fireworks celebrations in other areas.[36] The City of Sydney stated that the fireworks would go on as scheduled, but that "if a total fire ban is declared, we will continue to liaise with NSW Government agencies and the NSW Rural Fire Service to determine the safest way to proceed with the event". Fireworks director Fortunato Foti was to also be consulted in the event of high winds. The Rural Fire Service, which granted an exemption to the fire ban for the show, stated that it did not expect "catastrophic" conditions to return on New Year's Eve.[37] Highs of 40 °C (104 °F) were forecast for western Sydney, and special air quality statements were issued in relation to the event.[37][36]

Sydney officials stated that it would be infeasible to cancel the show, as it would be disruptive to tourists and local business, much of the budget had already been spent, and that there would be "little practical benefit for affected communities".[36] The event's head of audience Tanya Goldberg added that an Australian Red Cross charity appeal would be promoted throughout the event and telecast. Goldberg explained that "the one thing that will help those communities is to go ahead with the event and leverage the power of it to drive people to donate".[37]

2020–2022: COVID-19 impact

[edit]

2020–21

[edit]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, the 2020–21 edition was scaled back to consist only of a shortened, seven-minute fireworks display at midnight, with the Family Fireworks placed on hiatus.[38][39][40] In an interview with 2GB on 24 September, Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian discussed plans for ticketed attendance at key vantage points for crowd control and social distancing reasons, and remarked of last year's event that Australians "felt relieved that we were still able to have a feeling of normalcy during what was otherwise a very difficult time."[41][42] The City of Sydney reached an agreement with the state government to grant it "temporary custodianship" of Sydney New Year's Eve.[43]

A two-stage perimeter was established within Sydney's central business district (CBD), Circular Quay, and North Sydney on the evening of the event, with the "yellow zone" being patrolled by police to break up large crowds that violate NSW health orders in regards to gatherings,[38][39][40] and the "green zone" (in closer proximity to the harbour) having restricted access by permit only after 5:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Permits were only granted to local residents, those who had a confirmed reservation at a hospitality business within a green zone (such as a restaurant or hotel), and employees of businesses within the zone.[38][39][40]

To honour their involvement, plans were announced for certain "premium" viewing areas on the foreshore to be reserved exclusively to invited frontline workers. Premier Berejiklian scrapped the plan on 28 December amid new cases of community transmission in Greater Sydney (which had prompted a localised stay at home order for Sydney's Northern Beaches, and a tightening of restrictions on gatherings elsewhere), stating that there was "too much of a health risk having people from the regions and from Sydney and from broader regional areas congregate all in the CBD". She said that the state government would "find another opportunity during the year to recognise what [they] have done".[44][45][46] It was eventually decided that major harbourfront viewing locations in the green zone would be closed to the public; residents were asked to watch the display on television at home instead.[47] It was still possible to view the fireworks by boat in Sydney Harbour.[48]

2021–22

[edit]

In September 2021, amid the Delta variant outbreak, it was reported that the City of Sydney had suspended the Family Fireworks for a second year in a row due to the uncertainty of holding mass gatherings; the decision faced criticism for having been done unilaterally without discussion from councillors and other stakeholders. On 2 October, it was reported that Lord Mayor Clover Moore had sent a letter to Minister of Tourism Stuart Ayres, stating that Sydney New Year's Eve would be held "in a similar way to prior to the pandemic", provided that the NSW government "intensify its critical contribution" to the event. She told The Sydney Morning Herald that "the state government has assured us it will take responsibility for the event or cancel the 9 p.m. fireworks should public health conditions deteriorate." The concerns that led to the initial cancellation included the turnover in audiences between the two shows, and the presence of younger spectators who cannot be vaccinated for COVID-19.[49]

On 9 December 2021, organisers announced that the 2021–22 theme would be "See Sydney Shine", and that the midnight fireworks' soundtrack would be curated by electronic music duo The Presets. The Family Fireworks served as the Welcome to Country, and were curated by Indigenous artist Blak Douglas. Moore stated that the theme would reflect "the beginning of what we hope will be an entirely new year for us, and for the world." Foti stated that the show would feature new effects to make the Harbour Bridge appear to be "dancing with colour", and a record 2,000 fireworks fired from the Sydney Opera House.[50] For crowd control and contact tracing purposes, vantage points on the foreshore were ticketed. The number of areas requiring paid tickets expanded from "a few" in 2020 to 15, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and Barangaroo.[51][52]

2023–present

[edit]

2022–23

[edit]

The 2022–23 event was stated to be themed around diversity and inclusion, and estimated to include eight tonnes of fireworks launched from Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and four surrounding buildings. The Family Fireworks featured a performance by Indigenous musicians Akala Newman and Kobie Dee, while the midnight fireworks' soundtrack was curated by Stace Cadet and KLP. A special three-minute projection and light show was held at 11 p.m. to honour the 45th anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, hosting WorldPride 2023.[53][54]

2023–24

[edit]

In September 2023, the Chris Minns state government announced that it would abolish most paid viewing sites on Crown land along the foreshore for the 2023–24 event, making them open to the public free of charge. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Taronga Zoo will continue to require paid tickets, as their viewing events are held to benefit the respective institutions. Lord Mayor Moore praised the changes, stating that "creeping commercialisation of State Government public foreshore made it near impossible for many to see the show in person. We have long advocated for the Government to reconsider its decision to charge exorbitant prices to access our public foreshore."[55]

The theme of the event was "One night, many ways to celebrate", with 18yoman and Nooky curating the music for the 9 p.m. fireworks, The Sweats curating the music for the midnight fireworks,[56] and Sydney-based studio Vandal producing a projection show on the pylons utilizing generative AI imagery.[57] 8.5 tonnes of fireworks were used over two displays.[58]

Bridge effect

[edit]

Central to the firework displays each year since 1999 is the lighting display on the Harbour Bridge known as the "bridge effect". Made of rope light attached to a panel and truss system, the display showcased a variety of symbols and other images related to the current year's theme.

In recent times, the bridge has included a rope light display on a framework in the centre of the eastern arch, which is used to complement the fireworks. As the scaffolding and framework are clearly visible for some weeks before the event, revealing the outline of the design, there is much speculation as to how the effect is to be realised. The bridge effect has been designed by Brian Thomson since 2006, with the lighting designed by Mark Hammer since 2008. Since 2015, the current lighting designer is Ziggy Ziegler.

Timeline of effects by year
Year Theme Effect
1996/97 "Masquerade" Centrepoint Tower was the focal point for the midnight fireworks
1997/98 Smiley face
1998/99 Centrepoint Tower was the focal point for the midnight fireworks
1999/2000 "Sydney's Millennium"[59] "Eternity" in copperplate writing and a smiley face
2000/01 "100 Years as a Nation, Millions of Years as a Land"[59] Rainbow Serpent and a Federation Star
2001/02 "Of Beauty Rich and Rare: Australia – The Land"[59] Uluru, and the Southern Cross (supporting effect: Dove of Peace)
2002/03 "The World’s Celebration in Union"[59] Dove of Peace and the word "PEACE"
2003/04 "City of Light"[59] Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
2004/05 "Reflections on Australiana"[59] Disco ball
2005/06 "Heart of the Harbour" Three concentric hearts
2006/07 "A Diamond Night in Emerald City" Coathanger and a diamond (supporting effect: question mark)
2007/08 "The Time of Our Lives" Mandala and an hourglass[60]
2008/09 "Creation" Sun (supporting effect: eight-pointed star)
2009/10 "Awaken the Spirit" Yin and yang symbol, blue moon and a ring of fire
2010/11 "Make Your Mark" X mark, Target and hand print (supporting effects: smiling face, an asterisk, exclamation mark, the peace symbol, analogue clock, a pointer and an archer)
2011/12 "Time to Dream" Thought bubble and Endless rainbow (supporting effect: Sun)
2012/13 "Embrace"[16] Butterfly and lip
2013/14 "Shine"[19] Eye; the Family Fireworks featured an effect of aliens travelling in a spaceship.[19]
2014/15 "Inspire"[61] Light bulb[22](supporting effects: hearts and seahorses)
2015/16 "City of Colour"[26][27] Light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
2016/17 "Welcome to SydNYE"[62]
2017/18 "Wonder"[63]
2018/19 "The Pulse of Sydney"[63]
2019/20 "Unity"[64]
2020/21 "We Are One"[65]
2021/22 "See Sydney Shine"[50]
2022/23 Diversity and inclusion[3]
2023/24 "One night, many ways to celebrate"[66]

Waterfall effect

[edit]
The waterfall effect seen on NYE 2008.

A continual stream of fireworks falling from the base of the bridge down to actually touch the water. The waterfall comprises approximately 1,100 candle fireworks. Each year, it has been a traditional golden waterfall.

Some years the waterfall effect has been changed such as on NYE 2000 when the waterfall changed colours from gold to silver. NYE 2000 was also unique in that fireworks were also fired for the first time from the gantry of the bridge.

NYE 2002 had a "strobing angelic" waterfall effect where 144 Roman candles released mines and stars that "twinkled". This effect was repeated on NYE 2005 where it changed colour from red to white and also on NYE 2006 where it was coloured only green.

NYE 2004 had the traditional golden waterfall effect except that it slowed crossed the bridge from south to north. This was a difficult set up due to the arch's access but a first of its kind on the bridge with a spectacular "torrent style" waterfall effect.

On NYE 2015 a waterfall with fireworks cascaded during the middle of the family fireworks display.

On NYE 2017 a rainbow waterfall cascaded from the Harbour Bridge during the midnight show, celebrating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia. This was repeated on NYE 2022, celebrating Sydney hosting WorldPride in 2023.[67]

The years where the traditional golden waterfall effect has not been featured completely are; NYE 2000 (golden to silver), NYE 2002 (green & white strobing angelic), NYE 2005 (red to white strobing angelic), and NYE 2006 (green strobing angelic).

The golden waterfall was to be used again on NYE 2018, however, it failed to ignite as programmed. The waterfall was successfully used the following year on NYE 2019 to welcome in 2020.

For the first time since 2006, the traditional golden waterfall was briefly accompanied by a white strobing angelic waterfall for NYE 2020.

Broadcast

[edit]

From 1996 to 2006, the rights to the television broadcast were held by the Nine Network with Richard Wilkins as a host for almost every year and Eddie McGuire and Richard Wilkins as a co-host for the 1999–2000 telecast. From 2006 to 2009, Network Ten was broadcaster after winning a three-year deal from Nine. In 2009, Nine regained the rights back from Ten until 2013. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has held the rights since 2013, with coverage being carried by ABC TV and ABC Australia.[68] On radio, the fireworks' soundtrack is simulcast by KIIS 1065.[69]

The City of Sydney put its Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks coverage to tender following the conclusion of the ABC's two-year contract,[70] with the broadcaster having continued as broadcaster since.[68][71] The 2015 fireworks were the first to utilise drone-mounted cameras for additional angles,[22] and since 2016, an official international webcast has been streamed on platforms such as Facebook.[24]

The ABC's tenure as rightsholder has faced mixed reception; its first telecast for 2013–14 telecast was described as a "train wreck" by viewers, with criticism over flirtatious remarks made by the presenters and offensive comments about public figures, and suspicions by viewers that the presenters were intoxicated. The ABC defended the broadcast, stating that its team had done a "terrific job" given the circumstances, and stated that the number of formal complaints it received from viewers was "not extraordinary for program with an audience of this size".[72] During the 2014–15 telecast, co-host Julia Zemiro was caught on a hot mic saying "oh, thank God" at the conclusion of the broadcast.[73] The 2015–16 broadcast was criticised by viewers on social media (including calls for the rights to move back to the Nine Network), though that year's pub quiz was praised, with viewers being complimentary of host Lawrence Mooney.[74]

Broadcast networks and presenters by year
Year Broadcaster Host(s)
1996/97 Nine Network Richard Wilkins
Catriona Rowntree
1997/98 Richard Wilkins
Kim Watkins
1998/99 Richard Wilkins
Hugh Jackman
1999/2000 Richard Wilkins
Eddie McGuire
2000/01 Richard Wilkins
2001/02 Richard Wilkins
Vince Sorrenti
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
Richard Wilkins
2006/07 Network 10 Gretel Killeen
Daniel MacPherson
2007/08
2008/09
Kim Watkins
Andrew Günsberg
2009/10 Nine Network Leila McKinnon
Cameron Williams
2010/11 Alicia Gorey
Michael Usher
2011/12 Jesinta Campbell
Cameron Williams
Jaynie Seal
2012/13 Catriona Rowntree
Jason Dundas
2013/14 ABC
ABC HD
ABN
ABC Australia
Lawrence Mooney
Stephanie Brantz
2014/15 Julia Zemiro
Toby Truslove
2015/16 Eddie Perfect
Ella Hooper
2016/17 Jeremy Fernandez
Ella Hooper
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
Charlie Pickering
Zan Rowe
2020/21 Charlie Pickering
Zan Rowe
Jeremy Fernandez
Linda Marigliano
2021/22
2022/23
Charlie Pickering
Zan Rowe
Jeremy Fernandez
2023/24 Charlie Pickering
Zan Rowe
Concetta Caristo

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