Sydney To Honour Bondi Victims Amid Boosted Security On New Year’s Eve

Sydney is gearing up for its biggest night of the year, but this New Year’s Eve comes with changes. Following the Bondi terror attack, the city will take a moment honour the victims amid ramped up security measures.

At 9pm, the Sydney Harbour Bridge will glow white, projecting a dove and the word “peace” across it. Crowds will pause for a moment of silence to remember the 15 people lost and to stand against antisemitism.

Sydney urged to celebrate New Year’s Eve with reflection

From 10pm, the bridge will turn blue for Beyond Blue, the event’s official charity partner.

CEO Georgie Harman said staying connected is important after traumatic events. “Social support is one of the most meaningful things we can offer and receive right now,” she said.

State leaders are encouraging Sydneysiders to continue celebrating safely, especially after “an incredibly difficult end to the year”.

“We can’t shy away and hide, and we can’t let terrorism win,” Premier Minns said in a statement to The Sunday Telegraph, calling on the city to move forward together after “a vile act of terrorism.”

“While we are still reeling from the recent tragic events in Bondi, New Year’s Eve provides an opportunity to gather as a community, to pause and reflect, and to look with hope for a safer and more peaceful 2026,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

Moore also invites people to take part in the tribute by shining their phone torches.

“Show the Jewish community that we stand with them and that we reject violence, fear and antisemitism,” she said.

Fireworks continue across the city while Bondi pauses festivities

Beyond the Harbour Bridge’s annual spectacular, fireworks will also light up Parramatta, Coogee, Manly and Liverpool, though some local shows have been cancelled in response to the tragedy.

Most notably, Waverley Council has cancelled all New Year’s Eve activity at Bondi Beach, including the elrow Bondi Beach XXL festival—the first large-scale event at the beach in more than a decade.

NSW Police to boost NYE security

Security presence will be stronger than ever. Armed NSW Police officers will be at all major viewing points, with extra CCTV monitoring and concrete bollards in place across the CBD.

Operation Shelter has also been stepped up for safety beyond the expected crowds.

A City of Sydney spokesperson added that event infrastructure is being deployed citywide ahead of celebrations to ensure further public safety.

More than a million people are expected along the foreshore, with hundreds of millions tuning in to watch from around the world as the city welcomes 2026.