New Year’s Eve Australia LIVE UPDATES: 9pm fireworks kick off the festivities – as the ABC is slammed for its ‘woke’ coverage

Less than an hour into the ABC’s coverage of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve and many Aussies are already calling for a different broadcaster.

The ABC kicked off its coverage of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve event with a Welcome to Country.

Aunty Joan Bell presented the Welcome to Country, which she described as an ‘honour’.

‘Country is alive in the glowing animals, the waratah, the moon, and the spirit that transforms loss into beauty,’ she said.

‘With this welcome, I ask that you all walk gently, respectfully and with care.

‘This is my welcome to you, from the heart.

‘I welcome you to the land of my Gadigal ancestors. Welcome to my Country.’

Aunty Bell was followed by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore who acknowledged the city is still ‘reeling’ from the recent attack at Bondi Beach but urged Sydneysiders to use the night as a ‘celebration’ for a ‘safer and more peaceful 2026’.

‘This celebration is more than just fireworks,’ she said.

‘It’s a celebration of who we are – creative, diverse, inclusive.’

Pictured: ABC NYE hosts Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering

The first lot of fireworks on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are set to begin at 9pm AEDT.

The ‘Calling Country’ fireworks will be a celebration of sky, land and sea country, presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

It will be followed by several colourful boats gliding through the harbour for the Sydney Harbour lights display.

Transport NSW shared three pieces of advice to those travelling to or from the Sydney CBD tonight.

‘Check vantage point updates BEFORE leaving home, use public transport apps to plan your trip, roads are closed so leave the car at home,’ it said.

Vantage point capacities can be viewed at the SYD NYE website, here: bit.ly/3YzypcE

NSW Premier Chris Minns warned those out and about in Sydney not to be alarmed by the massive armed police presence in the city.

More than 2,500 officers in uniform and plain clothes are patrolling the metro area, with some armed with machine guns.

The government warned the army could be deployed if a security issue arises.

‘The increased police presence is to reassure the community that officers are there to assist, and not because of any greater, active, ongoing or imminent threat,’ NSW Police said in a statement.

The huge operation comes in response to the terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14 that took 15 innocent lives.

Two alleged gunmen, a father and son, shot at a crowd gathered for a family event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.

Speaking at the site of the massacre on Monday, Minns said authorities ‘won’t be mucking around’ on New Year’s Eve.

‘I know that [the Bondi attack] means fundamental changes,’ he said.

‘[Security measures] have changed in Rome and changed in Paris, and they are going to have to change here.’

Minns hoped the massive crowds gathered for the fireworks display would prove the plot to instill terror was unsuccessful.

‘I think there’s a good opportunity for parents and members of the community to show that they’re not going to be cowered or intimidated by terrorists, and that they will celebrate with their family and friends,’ he said.

‘Now that means that we have to have a massive police presence on the scene during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

‘Yes, in many cases, it’ll be confronting for members of the community to see police with big firearms and machine guns, which aren’t normally the case on Sydney streets.

‘But I don’t make any apology for that.’

While revellers are busy celebrating the end of 2025, authorities have warned NSW crowds to be wary of colourful MDMA pills.

The high-strength tablets come in a variety of colours and shapes, including of popular cartoon characters.

‘We are urging the community to be extra cautious this New Years Eve and be aware that high dose MDMA is circulating in the community,’ Dr Angela Chiew said.

‘MDMA can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death.

‘These risks are greatly increased if MDMA is used in combination with other stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine, or if high amounts are consumed over a short period of time.

‘The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch.’

Hot environments increase the risk of harm from MDMA. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.

‘It is very important to remember if you or a friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you or a friend feels unwell, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000),’ Dr Chiew said.

Massive crowds have gathered at vantage points around Sydney for the annual fireworks display.

Some dedicated fans even camped overnight to ensure they had a front row seat for the show.

‘I’ve been waiting for the fireworks maybe since 10pm yesterday. We slept in the grass,’ one man told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘I’m from Spain. I arrived here at three-o’clock in the morning,’ a woman said.

Some people even began lining up at the gates of the best viewing areas from 3am on Tuesday.

Anthony Albanese shared a video on Wednesday marking the end of 2025.

‘Of course, right now the joy we feel at the start of a new year is tempered by the old,’ Albanese said.

‘I’m optimistic and determined that in the New Year we will rise to meet the challenges ahead of us.’

Watch his full address below.