Key Takeaways
- Perth rang in the New Year with traditional fireworks and a heavily-armed police presence to ensure public safety.
- The celebrations were marked by resilience, music, and a determination to welcome the new year with joy and unity.
- Despite a subdued atmosphere in Northbridge, the vibe remained warm and celebratory, with friends and family gathering to enjoy the festivities.
- The presence of heavily-armed police was a noticeable change, with some attendees expressing unease at the sight of long-arm rifles.
- The fireworks display at Elizabeth Quay was a highlight of the evening, with thousands gathering to watch the spectacular show.
Introduction to Perth’s New Year Celebrations
Perth rang in the New Year with a mix of traditional festivities and a heavily-armed police presence. The city’s celebrations were marked by resilience, music, and a determination to welcome the new year with joy and unity. Despite a subdued atmosphere in Northbridge, the vibe remained warm and celebratory, with friends and family gathering to enjoy the festivities. The estimated 130,000 people who attended the celebrations were treated to a spectacular fireworks display, as well as live music and entertainment.
A Subdued Atmosphere in Northbridge
The celebrations in Northbridge were noticeably subdued this year, with crowd numbers in and around Yagan Square well below what has become the norm for Perth’s party hub. Yagan Square MC Fabulous Sharon expressed her surprise at the low turnout, stating that she was "honestly shocked by how quiet it is." Attendees speculated that the low turnout may have been due to the lingering unease following the Bondi massacre last month, with public safety still front of mind for many Australians attending large gatherings.
Police Presence and Public Safety
The presence of heavily-armed police was a noticeable change to the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many attendees were taken aback by the sight of long-arm rifles, with some expressing unease and shock. Jehan Ahmed, who recently moved to Perth from the UK, stated that she was "quite shocked actually, it feels frightening" to see police carrying guns in a public space. However, WA Police confirmed that there was no immediate threat to the public and that the officers were conducting a routine operation.
Fireworks and Festivities at Elizabeth Quay
The fireworks display at Elizabeth Quay was a highlight of the evening, with thousands gathering to watch the spectacular show. The display featured a variety of colorful crackers and fireworks, with many attendees expressing their delight at the show. Emily and Brandon McNally, who recently immigrated to Perth from the USA, stated that the fireworks display was "awesome." The quay was also transformed into a vibrant fun zone, with fairies, face painting, and live music adding to the festive atmosphere.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
Despite the subdued atmosphere in some areas, the overall vibe of the celebrations remained warm and celebratory. Friends and family gathered to enjoy the festivities, with many expressing their hopes and aspirations for the new year. Louise O’Donnell and Jason Campbell, who are looking forward to spending more time together in the new year, stated that they were excited for the year ahead. Meanwhile, Danielle Saccoccia, who was attending the celebrations with her family, stated that she was hoping for health and good fortune in the new year.
Conclusion and Reflection
In conclusion, Perth’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were a mix of traditional festivities and a heavily-armed police presence. While the subdued atmosphere in some areas was noticeable, the overall vibe of the celebrations remained warm and celebratory. The fireworks display at Elizabeth Quay was a highlight of the evening, and the presence of heavily-armed police served as a reminder of the importance of public safety. As the city looks to the new year, it is clear that the people of Perth are resilient and determined to make the most of every occasion.
