Increased Police Presence Planned for New Year’s Celebrations

New Year celebrations in the Sydney CBD and key suburbs will take place amid heightened police security, with officers carrying long-arm firearms as part of a broader Sydney-wide safety response ahead of major public gatherings.

Events Leading To The Review

Security arrangements for major public events were reviewed following a mass-casualty shooting during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach on 14 December. The incident resulted in 15 deaths and multiple injuries and led authorities to reassess how large-scale events are policed.

The review focused on upcoming gatherings expected to draw large crowds. New Year’s Eve on 31 December is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year, with people moving through entertainment precincts, transport corridors and inner-city suburbs, including Surry Hills.

Policing Arrangements For New Year Events

Police will be deployed in increased numbers across Sydney during New Year celebrations. Officers will carry long-arm firearms, a measure not usually seen at public events of this type.

The deployment reflects findings from recent security assessments and is intended to strengthen response capability in crowded environments. Police visibility will be increased in areas with high pedestrian activity, particularly during peak evening periods.

While the presence of heavier firearms may be unfamiliar to some members of the public, the approach is aimed at managing risk during one of the city’s largest annual events.

Review Of Public Safety Measures

A broader review of public safety measures remains underway following the Bondi Beach attack. This includes examining how security is planned for major events and whether existing arrangements are sufficient to respond to serious threats.

The review is also assessing how resources are allocated during periods of increased crowd density. No further changes beyond the current measures have been confirmed at this stage.

Surry Hills security — *Photo Credit: NSW Police/Facebook*

Local Activity And Attendance

In the weeks after the 14 December attack, areas close to Bondi reported reduced foot traffic and cancelled bookings. These impacts were largely confined to locations near the site of the incident.

New Year events across Sydney are expected to proceed as scheduled. In inner-city suburbs such as Surry Hills, increased police visibility will form part of the operational plan to support crowd movement and public safety.

Looking Ahead

Security arrangements for New Year celebrations will continue to be monitored as events unfold. Further assessments are expected after 31 December to inform planning for future major public gatherings.

Published 29-Dec-2025