Separately, Minns had urged Sydneysiders to not let the “horrible criminal terrorist event” at Bondi change the way they live, as he called on people to “show defiance” and celebrate the new year.
This sentiment was shared by some of the spectators.
Out among the crowds at Barangaroo’s Observatory Hill, a close spot to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was Hélène from Belgium.
She told the BBC people “cannot live in fear” following the attack.
Hours ahead of the countdown, hundreds of thousands of people flocked towards the harbour, with many official viewing areas filling to capacity by early evening.
On the harbour, sailboats dotted the water – one of the best spots to watch the midnight fireworks display.
Sydney’s celebration – with its iconic fireworks display – kicks off a chain of events, from Dubai, to London and New York.
