2009 Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations reach worldwide audience of 1 billion

28 January 2010

A global television audience of 1 billion people from 160 countries around the world tuned in to enjoy the thrill of the 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve firework celebrations.

A live feed of the firework celebrations was distributed through Reuters, Associated Press, CNN and the Australia Network which make up about 90 per cent of the world's broadcasters. 

In Australia, Channel 9 showed both the 9pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight fireworks live, with ratings figures showing at least 2.6 million people tuned at midnight across five capital cities.

"Sydney is the New Year's Eve capital of the world and the excitement of our celebrations has been shared with millions of people overseas," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

"We know that CNN showed our remarkable Midnight fireworks live around the world, while those in London could watch live on Sky UK and BBC TV and the full 12 minute display was broadcast to more than 47 countries around Asia and the Pacific," said IMG Media Executive Producer Nicholas Goldsworthy.

Events NSW research shows the tourism exposure will help generate more than $150 million dollars into the Sydney economy.

The two winners of the 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve photo competition have also been announced and will collect amazing prize packages.

Victor Leung from Kellyville provided a stunning side profile image of the Sydney Harbour Bridge bursting with colourful fireworks which won the Category 1 prize.

While Rana Abboud from Kirribilli won the Category 2 prize with a photo featuring hundreds of people on the north side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge filming the Midnight fireworks on glowing cameras and mobile phones held high in the air.

Each will collect an amazing prize pack which includes:

·         A double pass to the exclusive VIP Viewing Area at Dawes Point for 2010 Sydney New Year's Eve;

·         A $250 voucher at a major camera store;

·         Winning photo published on the official Sydney New Year's Eve website;

·         2Day FM prize pack including a double pass to Guy Sebastian and a double pass to Lady Gaga in concert; [Valid for Category 1]

·         2Day FM prize pack including a double pass to Kelly Clarkson in concert and 15 CDs featuring the hottest bands and artists. [Valid for Category 2]

The winning entries and other finalist images in the 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve photo competition can be viewed on the website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.au

The official charity for 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve is the Australian Conservation Foundation.  For more information and inspiration, and to make your Green Leaf commitment visit www.newgreenleaf.com.  The event is powered by Green Power.

Sydney New Year's Eve 2009 is proudly sponsored by 2DayFM, The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, DonateLife^TM, Bytecraft Entertainment, Roads & Traffic Authority, Royal Australian Navy, NSW Maritime, Sydney Opera House Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Galliano, Coca-Cola Amatil [Aust] Pty Ltd, Carlton & United Breweries, Philip Shaw Wines, Sydney Ports Corporation and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

2009 Sydney New Year's Eve is part of Vivacity.

Kicking off with the spectacular 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks, the celebrations continue with Sydney Festival, including Festival First Night and the not to be missed AR Rahman concert at Parramatta Park, the Eliasson exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the prestigious Medibank International Sydney tennis and Australia Day.  To make the most of your New Year in Sydney visit www.vivacitysydney.com

Media Contact:  Leanne Lincoln 9265 9910 or llincoln@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Related Resources

 
NYE09: Photo Competition winner
Category 1: Victor Leung (2MB)

 
NYE09:_Photo_Competition_winner
Category 2: Rana Abboud (2MB)

Click below to go to the 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve website:
www.sydneynewyearseve.com.au