Revelers across Australia largely earned praise from police for their behavior as they rang in the new year at the nation’s biggest fireworks celebrations, despite a few troubling incidents related to illegal pyrotechnics. Over a million merrymakers flocked to vantage points surrounding Sydney Harbour, while hundreds of thousands gathered in Melbourne for a spectacular display of fireworks and lasers to usher in 2025.
Police Pleased with Overall Crowd Conduct
Law enforcement in both cities reported that the vast majority of partygoers enjoyed the festivities safely and responsibly. However, officers still had their hands full with outbreaks of mischief and violence in areas away from the main events.
Unfortunately, police were kept busy by a handful of revellers doing the wrong thing, but those people were dealt with quickly.
– NSW Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna
Scattered Incidents Mar Celebrations
Not all Australians kicked off the new year on a high note. In Sydney’s western suburb of Guildford, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed at a park around 10:40 pm as police responded to reports of a group of males setting off fireworks. The teen was hospitalized in serious but stable condition while the alleged attacker fled the scene.
Sydney police made 36 arrests in the central business district and harbour foreshore areas for offenses such as assault, affray, robbery, and knife possession. Meanwhile, firefighters rushed to contain a grass fire that ignited late in the evening in the inner-west suburb of Tempe.
Fireworks Spark Concern in Victoria
Although generally satisfied with crowd behavior, Victoria police expressed disappointment over a substantial number of fireworks-related incidents. Illegal pyrotechnics were blamed for triggering at least three fires in Melbourne’s northern suburbs on New Year’s Eve.
Despite no serious harm caused on this occasion, fireworks carry the risk of serious injury or death, whilst being unpredictable and volatile items that can result in fires.
– Victoria Police statement
Authorities recorded 287 fireworks-related callouts statewide, including seizures of banned products. Police also responded to more than 50 reported assaults. In a concerning incident, a teenager was stabbed by a group of youths at a popular Mornington Peninsula holiday spot and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Positive Reports from Other States
The news was more encouraging in Queensland and Tasmania, where police commended revelers for their overall good behavior. As Australians recover from the revelry, leaders struck an optimistic tone for the year ahead in their New Year’s messages.
Despite times still being tough, the nation could head into 2025 optimistically with wages rising and inflation falling.
– Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
While not without its blemishes, Australia’s welcome of 2025 provided many bright moments and reasons for cheer. As the hangovers fade and cleanup begins, the country looks forward with hope to the promises and possibilities of a new year.
