Sydney's reputation as the world's New Year's Eve capital will be underlined tonight with a stunning display of fireworks, lighting, pylon projections and a celebration of the world's oldest living culture.
The Sydney sky will light up with 100,000 fireworks and the brightest beam in the southern hemisphere shooting up from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Sydney New Year's Eve is a symbol of hope and happiness for Australians and those watching around the world.
The Lord Mayor has urged those watching around the harbour or the ABC broadcast at home to dig deep and donate to support those impacted by the bushfires.
"Sydney New Year's Eve brings people together from around the world. This year we want to channel that positive energy to help Australian communities who have been hit hard by the bushfires," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
"In response to the devastating bushfires, we decided to harness the enormous power of the event to raise money for the Australian Red Cross disaster recovery and relief fund.
"This is in addition to the $300,000 we donated to the Red Cross, $300,000 to the Country Women's Association and $20,000 to Wires.
"People viewing around the Harbour will see a donation link projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons throughout the night. Donation links will also be promoted throughout the ABC broadcast."
Donations can be made by visiting nye.sydney/donate
2019 New Year's Eve will be the most choreographed show to date, with fireworks, lighting effects, pylon projections and music all synchronised to create a stunning spectacle.
A symbolic message stick will be presented to Lord Mayor Clover Moore to accept on behalf of Sydney as a gift from the Gadigal people.
The age old Aboriginal custom will be the focal point of this year's Calling Country ceremony, which welcomes Sydney and the world to Gadigal land.
The Calling Country ceremony will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons light up with projections depicting summer time stories in Sydney. The ceremony will feature live music and dance performances.
Earlier in the evening, a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony will take place on Sydney Harbour, from Tribal Warrior Association vessels.
"This event is about showing the world what Sydney is all about. It's a celebration of our best creative talents and one of the world's oldest living cultures," the Lord Mayor said.
The Refugee Council of Australia is the official charity partner of 2019 Sydney New Year's Eve.
They're urging Australians to make a resolution that counts and sign up to make 2020 the Year of Welcome.
By signing up, you are joining a movement of thousands of people around Australia welcoming refugees and people who come to Australia seeking protection. To sign up, visit: yearofwelcome.org
The City of Sydney New Year's Eve event times:
7pm Fire tug presents its water display on Sydney Harbour
7.30pm Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on Sydney
Harbour by the Tribal Warrior Association
8pm Air display above Sydney Harbour by flying ace Matt Hall and
Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon projections start
8.30pm Sydney Harbour Bridge lighting effects start
9pm Family fireworks (8 minutes) includes the ABC Design Your Own Firework competition firework display
9.08pm Calling Country segment honouring Australia's Indigenous heritage
9.15pm Harbour of Light parade
12am Midnight fireworks (12 minutes)
2am Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon projection and lighting effects end.
