Omicron, heatwave no bar for Australians enjoying New Year’s Eve celebrations

 

COVID-19 restrictions are not stopping the fun for many, with crowds turning out to watch early fireworks displays in Melbourne and elsewhere.(Getty Images: Diego Fedele)

 

Neither the growing number of Omicron cases nor a heatwave is dampening the spirit for those determined to ring in the new year in style.

And there is something for everyone this year,  whether you are after fireworks, picnics, or street feasts.

As the countdown to midnight gets underway in Sydney, a special Welcome to Country spectacular lit up the harbour as part of the 9pm fireworks.

Created by visual and performing artist, Blak Douglas, the display honoured First Nations cultures on the mainland and Torres Strait and Islander people.

Mr Douglas said the fact the display took over one of the most famous icons on the planet was “tremendously honourable”.

“We are paying respect to First Nations people as we are meant to do within a welcome to country today,” he said.

A live performance by Indigenous hip-hop stars Dobby and Barker was also integrated into the display.

They were accompanied by some young Derek girls from Western Sydney.

But even though skies in both Sydney and Melbourne have lit up tonight, unlike previous years it is a pre-booked event to keep crowds low.

Melbourne is welcoming back its fireworks displays this year, even as the city swelters.

Some major fireworks events are being held around Victoria in Bendigo, Geelong, Paynesville, Mildura, Phillip Island, Shepparton and Warrnambool.

But for some, Sydney is the destination of choice, despite more than 20,000 COVID-19 infections reported in NSW today.

Melbourne resident Diane Mead decided to “wing it” and make a last-minute trip to Sydney to see the fireworks.

“We’ve never ever been here before. We’ve never done it. We just thought we’d take the risk,” she said.

Not deterred by Friday’s sharp escalation of COVID-19 cases in New South Wales, she is doing all she can to ring in the new year safely.

“It’s a huge concern but we’re masked, we’re vaccinated, it’s in the open air, we’re being respectful and social distancing,” she said.

“Everyone’s really keen to be set up in prime position. It’s going to be a sensational night.”

Lisa Adametz and her daughter, Hannah, have also travelled from Melbourne to see Sydney’s New Years’ Eve fireworks for the first time.

Having found a shady spot at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair — a Sydney landmark with the best views of Sydney Harbour — they have been counting down the hours till tonight’s display.

“We’re really, really excited. We’ve been waiting a long time for this after the lockdowns,” Ms Adametz said.

“Being here, it feels like a weight has been lifted. Fingers crossed, no more lockdowns. That’s all I’m wishing for in 2022.”

In his annual new year’s message, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians should be optimistic about the coming year.

“Australia is stronger today than we were a year ago and we’re safer, ” he said.

“We have one of the lowest death rates and highest vaccination rates from COVID anywhere in the world.”

And after a tough year of lockdowns and border closures, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is hoping families and friends can get back together.

“People have been isolated often for long periods of time,” he said.

NYE celebrations under the COVID cloud

However, even as events kick off around the country there is caution in the air.

In Queensland, the biggest New Year’s Eve events are being held in Brisbane, centred around the Brisbane River.

The city’s official celebrations, The Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, are back on after a year off and lit up the river at 8:30pm, and will again at midnight.

But crowds are required to check in to view the fireworks.

South Bank Parklands are the place to be for dining and celebrations, while Fortitude Valley will host countless parties long into the night.

With the Victorian government warning of challenging times ahead, crowds remain low In Melbourne.

Authorities have urged people to take a commonsense approach to new year celebrations to protect themselves.

Health Minister Martin Foley asked people to hold New Year’s Eve parties outside or with full ventilation if they are indoors.

Meanwhile, thousands of people have descended upon the Darwin waterfront tonight to ring in the new year.

Amy Shark and The Veronicas are headlining the ticketed event with fireworks at 9pm and at midnight.

Kathy Burns from the Waterfront Corporation says while the event is not yet sold out there are COVID-safety measures in place.

“We’ve reduced the capacity down from 10,000 to [9,000] to be able to ensure there is some safe distancing plus also, too, with our different zoning that is helping with that, being able to zone people in different areas as well,” Ms Burns said.

“Everyone needs to be mindful of COVID, keep your distances while you’re in lines.”

In Hobart, Taste of Summer returns

Crowds have gathered at Hobart events, including the much-anticipated Taste of Summer Festival.

Many have made the decision travel interstate to Hobart to welcome in the New year, despite the travel requirements that will be changing tomorrow.

COVID-19 safe measures including masks and social distancing are being enforced across Hobart for New Year’s Eve.

Crowds are gathering at Hobart’s waterfront, to view the 9:30pm and midnight fireworks.

ABC