Midnight Creation Storm welcomes the dawn of a New Year |
An estimated 1.5 million people crowded the harbour foreshore last night to welcome in 2009 where a dazzling sun appeared on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to herald the dawn of a new year.
More than 100,000 individual firework effects were set off during Sydney New Years Eve celebrations.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said Sydneysiders could be proud of their City for another magical night, and hoped that the goodwill and optimism would extend into 2009 and beyond.
"Our Creation theme is a timely reminder that out of seeming chaos, new life can be born; that we can - with imagination, creativity and energy - renew ourselves and our earth; that we can find new ways of working and living so that the children who last night enjoyed the magic of our fireworks, will tomorrow, inherit a sustainable world,"Ms Moore said.
"I can also announce today that anyone who missed the Bridge Effect, or just wants to experience it all over again, will be able to see the sun perform on the Sydney Harbour Bridge each night from 8:00pm to midnight until January 4."
The Lord Mayor paid special tribute to Creative Director Rhoda Roberts and Event Producer Brenton Kewley on their first Sydney New Years Eve together.
"The creativity and dedication of Rhoda, Brenton and the entire Sydney New Years Eve team ensured 2008 Sydney New Years Eve was another tremendous success,"Ms Moore said.
2008 Sydney New Years Eve was the result of 15 months of planning and preparation. Work has already begun on 2009 Sydney New Years Eve.
"Working on this event has been one of the greatest highlights of my career and an absolute privilege. Creation is universal, magical and beautiful and last nights Sydney New Years Eve celebrations were just that!"said Rhoda.213 City of Sydney cleansing staff collected more than 60 tonnes of rubbish earlier this morning after the large crowds dispersed - up five tonnes on last year. About 80 per cent of the waste will be recycled.
The 2008 Sydney New Years Eve charity was Planet Ark, an organisation committed to showing both people and business the ways they can reduce their day to day impact on the environment - at home, at work and in the community. Planet Ark encouraged Sydneysiders to register a green resolution for 2009 on their website in the lead up to last nights celebrations.
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Midnight Creation Storm welcomes the dawn of a New Year
➼ www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
➼ www.sydneymedia.com.au
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