Every New Year, countries across the globe look towards the annual Sydney Harbour New Year's Eve fireworks display to get the party started.
As one of the first places to welcome the New Year, the harbour fireworks set the tone of celebration and excitement for thousands of overseas celebrations.
In perhaps one of the biggest acknowledgements of First Nations culture and tradition to ever be displayed in the annual event, Sydney Council has partnered with We Are Warriors (WAW) to shine a light on Indigenous excellence.
WAW founder and creative director Nooky is especially excited to shine the spotlight on First Nations artists.
“This platform allows us to share our truth, our stories, our voice with the world,” the Yuin man explained.
Nooky and Lord Mayor Clover Moore at the launch of the 2024 New Year's event. Credit: Abril Felman
The ceremony will be performed with eucalyptus leaves and pay respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land, past, present, and future, while also welcoming visitors onto Gadigal land.
Fireworks will not be the only thing catching eyes with a bridge pylon projection display honouring the theme of ‘Buried Country’.
“We’re going to share stories of great warriors like Pemulway and Warriors of the past, present, and today," said Nooky.
"We are going all out and projecting images onto the harbour bridge putting Blak excellence on full display for the world to see,” Nooky stated.
Illustrations for the pylons have been created of recognisable First Nations icons, such as Adam Goodes, Anita Heiss, Barkaa and Cathy Freeman, by Noongar artist Janelle Burger.
An original soundtrack by Bunuba man 18YOMAN, and live performances from Indigenous artists will also be on throughout the night, with popular acts such as hip hop group 3%.
The Sydney 2024 New Years Eve celebration will be an unforgettable night, with First Nations culture being celebrated at the forefront.
“At the end of the year we’ve had, we want to let our people know they’re loved, they’re seen, and they’re heard, that they are warriors," Nooky explained.
"It’s time to reflect on and awaken the stories of this country that have been buried by the history we didn’t write."
