More police, fewer revellers on a Sydney NYE like no other

The toughest security measures ever seen in Sydney will be in place for New Year’s celebrations on Wednesday, as heavily armed officers will be among about 3000 police keeping an eagle eye on celebrations across the city from the water to the sky.

Premier Chris Minns said while the government was preparing for more revellers than ever, in reality, he expected fewer families to join the celebrations after the December Bondi Beach attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

More police officers will carry long-arm guns usually used by the riot squad on Wednesday, not because of any specific threat to the community, but rather to keep families feeling safe, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.

“We want to make sure that the community know they can come to these events safely, we’re prepared to put as many police as we need to make that happen,” Lanyon said.

Lanyon said police staffing was a challenge, with about 2000 vacancies needing to be filled. Recruitment and retention of officers is a key focus for NSW Police, he said.

Minns denied that the presence of guns rarely seen in Sydney streets would contribute to the feeling of unease in the community. On Monday, the premier said security measures in Sydney would need to change, similar to cities such as Paris where police officers were armed with assault rifles after a 2015 terrorist attack.

Despite the record police presence and show of firearm force, Minns urged families to not give in to terrorism and instead celebrate around Sydney Harbour.

“I am concerned about a drop in number, being honest about it, I think that would be understandable but a real shame because this is a beautiful city,” Minns said.

“I’m just hoping that there’s a degree of joy and fun for families after what’s been a very, very tough December.”

The heavy police presence and security measures mirrors the 2014 New Year’s celebration, which came just weeks after the deadly Lindt cafe siege. Just like this year, about 3000 officers were called in to patrol the city and in a bid to make families feel safer about attending a major public event after a terror attack.

Along with an increased local police presence, Minns has previously said he would not rule out requesting support from the army to protect Jewish communities in Sydney. When asked on Tuesday, the premier said he could not be more precise about what support he would want from the defence force, but said the NSW Police would meet with the Commonwealth agencies later in the day to discuss more support.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said defence personnel historically would not be put on the streets for domestic security purposes, but said the Australian Federal Police was providing speciality support to local police, including with surveillance.

The 15 victims of the Bondi massacre will be honoured during the city’s fireworks display with one minute’s silence at 11pm, during which the Harbour Bridge will be bathed in white light and a menorah projected on the pylons.

“I will invite people at home and around the harbour to join with us by shining a torch or a light in solidarity,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “Following the minute silence, a projection of the peace dove and the words Peace and Unity will be shown on the pylons.”

At 9pm in Coogee 15 solitary fireworks will light up the sky before the usual display to remember each individual life lost.

The community reception centre in Coogee, which was established to assist the families of those affected by the shooting, will open for its final day tomorrow before closing in the new year. Support services will continue at the Reconstruction Authority-run hub at the Bondi Pavilion, which will close for the public holiday and reopen on January 2.

There are currently eight victims of the shooting who remain in hospitals around Sydney, including two patients in a critical but stable condition.

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