New Year's crowds praised, record police presence as Australia ushers in 2026

Millions of Australians crammed foreshores and parks, backyards and lounge rooms, to ring in the new year with spectacular firework displays.

Amid the chaos and the celebrations, revellers paused for a moment of reflection for the Jewish community.

All eyes were on Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve, where, weeks on from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, the party paused to observe a minute’s silence for the victims.

A menorah shone on the Harbour Bridge’s pylons, displaying a dove with the words “peace” and “unity”.

Following the moment of silence, singer-songwriter Matt Corby performed Never Tear Us Apart by INXS.

A strong police presence was in the major cities and centres, with revellers praised for their behaviour at the nation’s largest fireworks shows.

Police ramped up patrols in NSW, with thousands of armed officers maintaining a visible presence across the harbour city.

Operation New Year’s Eve 2025 involved uniformed and plainclothes officers in high-visibility patrols as crowds converged on the CBD, the Sydney Harbour foreshore, and events across the state.

Following the Bondi terror attack, police carried long-arm weapons for an added layer of protection.

More than 38 arrests were made across Sydney for offences including assaults, affray, assaulting police and offensive conduct.

“We saw people come together after a heartbreaking month. Most revellers enjoyed a safe and trouble-free night,” Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said.

“Unfortunately, police were kept busy by a handful of people doing the wrong thing, particularly a number of illegal fireworks being set off, resulting in several injuries.

“The top priority of our operation was the safety of the community, and thousands of officers were out in force to ensure people enjoyed their nights and got home without incident.”

Victoria Police were also pleased with crowd behaviour but disappointed by more than 300 fireworks-related incidents with several serious injuries.

Among those hurt were a 31-year-old Mickleham man, hospitalised with serious facial injuries and a 43-year-old Corio man, also taken to hospital with a serious finger injury.

A rooftop garden caught alight after a firework mishap at a Treasury Place building; the blaze was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.

Police responded to minor incidents in Brisbane and Adelaide, and there were several arrests.

Offences related to public nuisance and drug possession, and scissors, a knife and a box cutter were detected during Jack’s Law wanding in Brisbane.

About midnight, police were called to a disturbance in Brisbane City where one man armed with scissors was involved in a dispute with two teenagers.

“There will always be a small number of people who will choose to do the wrong thing,” Queensland Acting Chief Superintendent Heath McQueen said.

“However, due to our large-scale police presence, we were able to respond to these minor incidents quickly and minimise disruption to the celebrations.”