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Aussies rejoice as "one-off" virus rules come for Christmas and NYE

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p><span>Christmas and New Years Eve gatherings might be bigger than once thought for NSW residents after the Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed to reporters that additional activities could be granted exemption from restrictions in the near future.</span></p> <p><span>She confirmed that the next big milestone would be opening the border with Victoria, but said there's something in the works. </span></p> <p><span>“We’re always looking at opportunities to make life easier for our citizens, but we need to be mindful that with additional gatherings during the summer period, it is a riskier environment,” Ms Berejiklian said on Tuesday.</span></p> <p><span>“We are also looking to provide one-off exemptions for a lot of organisations who might be doing their annual event or some type of commemorative, religious or Christmas event.”</span></p> <p><span>"Please assume that the current health orders are in place, anything beyond this is a bonus"</span></p> <p><span>She's also reminded NSW citizens that there are other options available for celebrating.</span></p> <p><span>"If you can afford it please consider supporting your local suburban restaurant… you can have 30 people to a booking," she said.</span></p> <p><span>"Obviously in your home its 20 so for those of us with large extended families 20 doesn't cut it but all of us have to adjust."</span></p> <p><span>Health authorities are looking into what cultural events are able to go ahead over the summer, including Christmas carols and choir performances.</span></p> <p>"We are very closely looking into what we can do over summer in relation to hospitality and the arts community," she said.</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Frontline workers to receive best view of Sydney's NYE fireworks

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Sydneysiders wanting to ring in the New Year by enjoying the fireworks at Sydney Harbour will need a ticket at a venue or will face being fined by police officers.</p> <p>According to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, police will have their eye on people attempting to enjoy the fireworks in the CBD.</p> <p>"In terms of the public spaces where normally thousands and thousands congregate that won't be happening this year," Ms Berejiklian said.</p> <p>"Unless you have a booking in a restaurant or cafe, please do not expect to go to the CBD for New Year's Eve.</p> <p>"We do have to put strict rules in place but if some people choose not to respect the rules police will need to act."</p> <p>As a special thank you to frontline COVID health workers and firefighters, some areas to view the fireworks will be set aside.</p> <p>The 9 pm family-friendly fireworks have been cancelled, with only the midnight showing going ahead.</p> <p>Office spaces where employees are able to get together in a COVID-19 safe space to enjoy the fireworks is also permitted.</p> <p>The Premier has recognised celebrating will be a bit different this year.</p> <p>"The vast majority of us will be enjoying celebrating New Year's Eve from home this year or at a restaurant, café or hotel and I think that is the best way. It's enjoying welcoming in the New Year in a COVID-safe way," Ms Berejiklian said.</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Rod Stewart charged after allegedly punching a security guard on NYE

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>New police documents reveal that Sir Rod Stewart has been charged with simple battery after an altercation on New Year’s Eve left him punching a hotel security guard.</p> <p>The incident supposedly started after Stewart and his party were denied access to a private event held at a Palm Beach hotel known as The Breakers.</p> <p>Hotel security guard Jessie Dixon told police that he was working at a private event in the children’s area of the hotel when he saw a “group of people” wanting to gain access.</p> <p>According to the police report that has been obtained by<span> </span><em>The Daily Mail</em>, Stewart and his party were trying to get into the event despite being “unauthorised to do so”.</p> <p>“The group began to get loud and cause a scene” and refused to leave when Dixon told them to go, the report said. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6daxGoDt6D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6daxGoDt6D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a> on Dec 24, 2019 at 7:08am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Police went to speak with Stewart, where he said that they were trying to get the children in their group to get into the event.</p> <p>But, after being denied access to the event, Rod told police that “Dixon became argumentative with his family, which in turn caused them to become agitated,” the police report said. </p> <p>Stewart “apologized for his behavior in the incident,” police noted.   However, after police reviewed The Breakers video camera footage, it showed that Stewart and his son Rod were the “primary aggressors” in the altercation.</p> <p>Between the sworn witness statements obtained by other hotel employees who saw the event unfold and the video footage, police have said that there is enough evidence to warrant charging Stewart with one count of simple battery, which he has since been charged with.</p> <p>Stewart has since been given a court notice for the incident and will front the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Complex on February 5th.</p> </div> </div> </div>

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Pippa Middleton flew on same Sydney seaplane that crashed on NYE

<p>When Pippa Middleton was last in Australia for her honeymoon, she flew on the same seaplane that tragically crashed into the Hawkesbury River.</p> <p>The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge flew on the same plane when in Australia last May with James Matthews, boarding the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver with the call sign VH-NOO.</p> <p>On Sunday, the plane crashed while flying UK CEO Richard Cousins, 58, his fiancée Emma Bowden, 48, Emma’s daughter Heather, 11, and Richard’s son’s Edward, 23, and William, 25.</p> <p>The flight was from Cottage Point Inn back to Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.</p> <p>During the flight, something went wrong, and the plane crashed into the Hawkesbury River, killing all five passengers and experienced pilot, Gareth Morgan.</p> <p>Pippa and James also flew to and from lunch at the Cottage Point Inn exclusive river restaurant.</p> <p>The newlyweds, who were married at St Mark’s Church in Berkshire, west of London, were seen boarding and disembarking the aircraft which was operated by Sydney Seaplanes.</p> <p>Sydney Seaplanes has been running since 2003 but since the incident has suspended all operations.</p> <p>Sydney Seaplanes managing director Aaron Shaw said after the accident they were “deeply shocked by this incident”.</p> <p>“We wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the passengers and pilot who were tragically killed,” he said.</p> <p>Yesterday, the wrecked fuselage of the aircraft was recovered from the river as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is set to conclude its on-site investigation.</p> <p>A preliminary report of the factual circumstances surrounding the crash will be completed in 30 days, however, a full report into what exactly went wrong before the crash will not be published for a year.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the families of the six people who were killed will have to wait 12 months for any answers into the moments that unfolded before the fatal crash. </p>

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Sydney NYE Fireworks to honour Bowie, Prince and Wilder

<p>Sydney’s fireworks are always one of the real highlights of the New Year’s festivities, and this year’s pyrotechnics will take on special significance with the City of Sydney confirming there will be tributes to David Bowie, Prince and Gene Wilder.</p> <p>Barges on the harbour have reportedly been loaded with 120 tonnes of fireworks ahead of the incredible display, which will entertain visitors from all around the world.</p> <p>Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore told <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Huffington Post</strong></em></span></a>, "This year sadly saw the loss of many music and entertainment legends around the world. Celebrating their music as part of the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks displays is an opportunity to reflect on the year that's been and celebrate what the future holds.</p> <p>"Sydney is especially significant for David Bowie, who called Elizabeth Bay home for a decade from the early eighties, filming music videos and recording an album here.</p> <p>"Prince performed in Australia many times and his Sydney Opera House concert was one of his last. And I know children and adults everywhere will delight in the colourful Willy Wonka moment during the midnight fireworks."</p> <p>Are you looking forward to the fireworks?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/12/what-does-2017-hold-for-you/"><strong>What does 2017 hold for you?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/domestic-travel/2016/12/5-best-places-to-spend-nye-in-australia/"><strong>5 best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Australia</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/08/david-bowies-son-welcomes-baby-boy/"><strong>David Bowie’s son welcomes baby boy</strong></a></em></span></p>

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10 photos of Sydney Harbour fireworks

<p>Sydney Harbour is beautiful 365 days a year, but on New Year’s Eve it really comes into its own. Punters willing to brave the crowds are always treated to a dazzling display, with iconic imagery lighting up our most famous landmarks.</p> <p>In case you can’t make it out tonight, we’ve put together a gallery containing our favourite moments from the Sydney Harbour fireworks over the year. To see all the image, scroll through the gallery above. It’s sure to jog a few memories!</p> <p>Where are you spending New Year’s Eve? Have you ever seen the Sydney Harbour fireworks? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.</p> <p><strong><em>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">To arrange a quote, click here.</span></a> For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/12/gallery-hopping-around-sydney-for-the-weekend/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Gallery hopping around Sydney for the weekend</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/12/10-best-places-in-australia-to-visit-in-december/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 best places in Australia to visit in December</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/11/best-places-to-see-live-theatre-in-australia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Best places to see live theatre in Australia</strong></em></span></a></p>

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The best places to see NYE fireworks

<p>Nothing announces the New Year like the big bang and spectacular colours of midnight firework celebrations! And here in Australia, we’re lucky enough to be one of the first countries in the world to ring in the New Year, thanks to our time zone. So if you’re wondering where’s the best place to say goodbye to 2014 (and hello 2015!), here are our picks for fun, free and kid-friendly events around Australia.</p><p><strong>VICTORIA</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/nye/fireworks" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Melbourne New Year’s Eve</strong></span></a></p><p>It’s sure to be spectacular night of fireworks in the Melbourne CBD. The best vantage points for the 9.30 pm fireworks include Yarra Park and Footscray Park and for the midnight show, check live sites Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, Docklands and Kings Domain. There will be free music, special effects, food stalls and toilet facilities at all live sites.</p><p><a href="http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/item/8d1c889d3600b24.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Central Geelong New Year’s Fireworks Display, Geelong Waterfront</strong></span></a></p><p>The city set on the shores of Corio Bay will come alive with two spectacular fireworks display, one at dusk at 9.15 pm and the traditional midnight fireworks.</p><p><strong>NEW SOUTH WALES</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/whats-on/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve</strong></span></a></p><p>Sydney is renowned for its New Year’s Eve fireworks display thanks in no small part to the Harbour Bridge finale! The harbour has many prime viewing spots but the CBD reaches capacity early. To find some other great vantage points visit their website <a href="http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/NewYearsEve" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Campbelltown City New Year’s Eve, Koshigaya Park&nbsp;</strong></span></a></p><p>A great alternative to the crowded Sydney CBD, there will be a huge night of entertainment along with the fireworks at 9pm and midnight.</p><p><strong>SOUTH AUSTRALIA</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/explore-the-city/see-do/nye2014/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Elder Park</strong></span></a></p><p>A great night is in store with all ages’ entertainment, music, food and fireworks. Gates open 6.30pm with two fireworks shows at 9pm and midnight.</p><p><a href="http://holdfast.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=1707&amp;reqUrl=NYE&amp;print=1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>New Year’s Eve at the Bay, Glenelg Jetty and Brighton Foreshore</strong></span></a>&nbsp;</p><p>A family friendly event with live and roving entertainment, children’s amusements and dazzling fireworks display. Watch the sunset over the ocean as you say goodbye to another year. This year’s theme is Get Your Glo On so wear your florescent brights!</p><p><strong>PERTH</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/tourism/newyearseve/NYE.htm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Mandurah’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Mandurah Eastern Foreshore</strong></span></a></p><p>Ring in the New Year on the beautiful Mandurah foreshore. There will be a youth zone, silent disco and live music as well as two firework sessions at 9pm and midnight.</p><p><a href="http://visitperthcity.com/festival-of-christmas/events/new-years-eve-northbridge" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Northbridge New Year’s Eve, Northbridge Piazza and Perth Cultural Centre</strong></span></a></p><p>The Perth City Festival celebrations will have bands and entertainments for all ages across two stages in a massive New Year’s Eve event. There will be roving acrobats, dancers, singers and remarkable feats of performance all leading to a spectacular midnight countdown.</p><p><strong>QUEENSLAND</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/south-bank/whats-on/free/new-years-eve-at-south-bank" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>New Year’s Eve at South Bank, South Bank, Brisbane</strong></span></a></p><p>The glow of fireworks over the South Bank is sure to dazzle with two sessions, one at 8.30pm and one at midnight. The best vantage spots usually fill up quick so go early if you want a prime location.</p><p><a href="http://www.broadbeachgc.com/new-year-s-eve.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Broadbeach New Year’s Eve, Kurrawa Park and Pratten Park, Broadbeach</strong></span></a>&nbsp;</p><p>Two displays are scheduled - an early show at 8pm for the kids and midnight for the grown-ups - to welcome the New Year at Broadbeach</p>

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The best places to see NYE fireworks

<p>Nothing announces the New Year like the big bang and spectacular colours of midnight firework celebrations! And here in Australia, we’re lucky enough to be one of the first countries in the world to ring in the New Year, thanks to our time zone. So if you’re wondering where’s the best place to say goodbye to 2014 (and hello 2015!), here are our picks for fun, free and kid-friendly events around Australia.</p><p><strong>VICTORIA</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/nye/fireworks" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Melbourne New Year’s Eve</strong></span></a></p><p>It’s sure to be spectacular night of fireworks in the Melbourne CBD. The best vantage points for the 9.30 pm fireworks include Yarra Park and Footscray Park and for the midnight show, check live sites Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, Docklands and Kings Domain. There will be free music, special effects, food stalls and toilet facilities at all live sites.</p><p><a href="http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/item/8d1c889d3600b24.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Central Geelong New Year’s Fireworks Display, Geelong Waterfront</strong></span></a></p><p>The city set on the shores of Corio Bay will come alive with two spectacular fireworks display, one at dusk at 9.15 pm and the traditional midnight fireworks.</p><p><strong>NEW SOUTH WALES</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/whats-on/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve</strong></span></a></p><p>Sydney is renowned for its New Year’s Eve fireworks display thanks in no small part to the Harbour Bridge finale! The harbour has many prime viewing spots but the CBD reaches capacity early. To find some other great vantage points visit their website <a href="http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/NewYearsEve" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Campbelltown City New Year’s Eve, Koshigaya Park&nbsp;</strong></span></a></p><p>A great alternative to the crowded Sydney CBD, there will be a huge night of entertainment along with the fireworks at 9pm and midnight.</p><p><strong>SOUTH AUSTRALIA</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/explore-the-city/see-do/nye2014/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Elder Park</strong></span></a></p><p>A great night is in store with all ages’ entertainment, music, food and fireworks. Gates open 6.30pm with two fireworks shows at 9pm and midnight.</p><p><a href="http://holdfast.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=1707&amp;reqUrl=NYE&amp;print=1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>New Year’s Eve at the Bay, Glenelg Jetty and Brighton Foreshore</strong></span></a>&nbsp;</p><p>A family friendly event with live and roving entertainment, children’s amusements and dazzling fireworks display. Watch the sunset over the ocean as you say goodbye to another year. This year’s theme is Get Your Glo On so wear your florescent brights!</p><p><strong>PERTH</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/tourism/newyearseve/NYE.htm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>City of Mandurah’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Mandurah Eastern Foreshore</strong></span></a></p><p>Ring in the New Year on the beautiful Mandurah foreshore. There will be a youth zone, silent disco and live music as well as two firework sessions at 9pm and midnight.</p><p><a href="http://visitperthcity.com/festival-of-christmas/events/new-years-eve-northbridge" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Northbridge New Year’s Eve, Northbridge Piazza and Perth Cultural Centre</strong></span></a></p><p>The Perth City Festival celebrations will have bands and entertainments for all ages across two stages in a massive New Year’s Eve event. There will be roving acrobats, dancers, singers and remarkable feats of performance all leading to a spectacular midnight countdown.</p><p><strong>QUEENSLAND</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/south-bank/whats-on/free/new-years-eve-at-south-bank" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>New Year’s Eve at South Bank, South Bank, Brisbane</strong></span></a></p><p>The glow of fireworks over the South Bank is sure to dazzle with two sessions, one at 8.30pm and one at midnight. The best vantage spots usually fill up quick so go early if you want a prime location.</p><p><a href="http://www.broadbeachgc.com/new-year-s-eve.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Broadbeach New Year’s Eve, Kurrawa Park and Pratten Park, Broadbeach</strong></span></a>&nbsp;</p><p>Two displays are scheduled - an early show at 8pm for the kids and midnight for the grown-ups - to welcome the New Year at Broadbeach</p>

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