Australians have been urged to defy terrorists by publicly celebrating New Year's Eve and showing off Sydney's splendour.
A mass shooting at Australia's most iconic beach in mid-December that killed 15 people and injured 41 has cast a shadow of grief and fear, putting a dampener on end-of-year celebrations.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said while he understood many are hesitant to participate in crowded events following the Bondi terrorist attack, it would be a "real shame" to forgo festivities.
"This is really the night of nights for Sydney," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"It's an opportunity to thumb our nose at the terrorists.
"This is an opportunity to live your life and show defiance to that kind of ideology and also celebrate this beautiful city."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed the call, saying he hoped people would celebrate the coming of the new year.
"It is a great thing that Australians are able to enjoy each other's company," he told reporters in Canberra.
Some New Year's Eve activities that were set to take place at the beach, like the Bondi Beach XXL music festival, have been cancelled, but Sydney's world-famous fireworks show will go ahead.
Ahead of the extravaganza, a record number of police will be deployed to the city, many of whom will be equipped with long arms such as rifles and shotguns.
Asked if the site of heavily armed police would fuel public trepidation, the premier insisted it would help families feel safer.
"There will be some people that oppose this or regard it as the militarisation of the police," Mr Minns said.
"My sense is far more families would fully support that kind of operation because they will feel safer in that environment."
While Australians have been urged to party, the premier warned police will take action on those who drink-drive, disrupt the festivities or disturb others.
In a show of solidarity for the Jewish community, a menorah will be projected onto the pylons of the Harbour Bridge at 11pm on Wednesday while a minute of silence is observed.
The Sydney landmark was initially going to be illuminated in white with an image of a dove and the word "peace", but the projection was changed after a letter signed by Jewish artists and musicians claimed it was "generic".
The dove and "peace and unity" will now be shown on the pylons after the minute of silence.
"I continue to listen to the community to ensure the acknowledgement of the horrific attacks at Bondi Beach during New Year’s Eve is appropriate," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
