Famous park pushes through with New Year's Day celebrations despite wide-scale disruptions

New Year's Day is arguably the most anticipated event of the year.

The day promises new beginnings and milestones, especially for seniors who look forward to adding another year to their lives.

As the clock ticks down to the New Year's Eve celebrations, one of Australia's iconic destinations took a bold step to make sure that their New Year's Eve festivities will be a memorable one.


Luna Park, nestled in Sydney's Milsons Point, has been a hotspot for families and travellers looking to ring in the new year with a bang.

However, recent rail strikes threatened the park's New Year celebrations.

With around 6,500 tickets already sold for the event, Luna Park took decisive action over the weekend and launched a legal challenge to safeguard the event.

This extraordinary measure highlighted the venue's deep concerns over the timing of the industrial action initiated by the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).


compressed-Luna Park.jpeg
Luna Park's New Year's Eve celebrations have been a tradition for families across the city. Image Credit: Google Maps


The RTBU's decision to strike—greenlit by the Federal Court despite the NSW state government invalidating the action—caused significant disruptions across Sydney's rail network.

The strike led to train delays and cancellations, affecting hundreds of trips and causing delays of up to 40 minutes.

Due to the transport strike, the New Year's Eve fireworks at Darling Harbour could have been cancelled.


The supposed cancellation was a suggestion made by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, citing safety concerns for the quarter-million people who depended on public transport.

'If trains are not available, people can't leave the city. I have huge concerns about the risk that it will create for the public,' Commissioner Webb stated.

'Families will not be able to get home, and they'll be trapped in the city with no way out.'

However, RTBU NSW's Secretary Toby Warnes accused the commissioner of 'resorting to scaring the people'.

'If the fireworks are cancelled, that will be on the government completely,' Mr Warnes said.

The union expressed its devastation over the threat to the fireworks display, especially after negotiations with the government had broken down.


Transport Minister Jo Haylen echoed the urgency of the situation.

'We cannot have industrial action at this time of the year. No amount of industrial action is tolerable,' Minister Haylen shared.

'Without reliable train services, it is impossible to move millions of people who come to the harbour foreshore. The only way to get people in and out is through reliable train services.'

Despite the tension, there is a glimmer of hope for residents who look forward to the holidays.

The RTBU stated that they are willing to comply with any directives from the Fair Work Commission to stop any industrial action.

The state government also met with the RTBU last Monday, 23 December, to prevent the strikes from extending to New Year's Eve.


As the city braces for potential disruptions, Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matthew Longland advised passengers to expect delays of up to an hour.

Those planning to attend events like the Randwick races, Carols in the Domain, and Big Bash cricket were given a heads-up about the significant delays and cancellations.

Luna Park's proactive stance on its tradition became a testament to the resilience and determination of Sydney's spirit.

As the city continues to navigate challenging times, the park's commitment to delivering a memorable New Year's Eve experience remains unwavering.
Key Takeaways

  • Luna Park initiated legal proceedings to ensure its New Year's Eve celebration pushed through despite the ongoing rail strikes.
  • The park already sold around 6,500 tickets for the event, which has been a family favourite and tradition every New Year's Eve.
  • The New South Wales government's attempt to prevent industrial action by the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) was rejected.
  • NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen emphasised the necessity of avoiding industrial action, stating that the strikes could cause Sydney to grind to a halt.
How do you feel about the potential disruptions? What are your plans for New Year's Eve? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section.
 
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The rail strikes are actually called of at least until after New Years.

I haven't gone into the city for New Years for ages. I hate the huge crowds

We go to my daughters New Years Eve , where our whole family gather as well as friends . Always a great night seeing out the old year and seeing in the New With all the people we love.

I bake a delicious Greek New Years Cake which I put a coin in it. We then cut it on New Years Day.

I will post the recipe for it in a few days
 
The rail strikes are actually called of at least until after New Years.

I haven't gone into the city for New Years for ages. I hate the huge crowds

We go to my daughters New Years Eve , where our whole family gather as well as friends . Always a great night seeing out the old year and seeing in the New With all the people we love.

I bake a delicious Greek New Years Cake which I put a coin in it. We then cut it on New Years Day.

I will post the recipe for it in a few days
Hate crowds too .lf you went to Leeds UK on a Saturday there were people coming at you in all directions you could hardly move goodness know what it would be like today as that was in the 50's.
Looking forward to your Greek News Cake recipe. My mum used to make Christmas Puddings that she put silver sixpences in.
 
As far as I'm concerned (controversial, I know) the fireworks should have been replaced years ago, with something less harmful to the environment. The recent light shows also brought people to the city.
Fireworks are just a waste of money .One puff and there gone and that money wasted that could have been given to those without food.
 
Just like buying chocolates or flowers for a loved one. Total waste of money.
Tell them you love them (and mean it), spend time with them, do things together. These are the things people remember. I can't honestly say that I have ever been given a bunch of flowers that I remember fondly, years down the track. Nowadays I just pity the poor exploited overseas workers who farm the majority of the flowers we buy in Australia.
 
Fireworks are just a waste of money .One puff and there gone and that money wasted that could have been given to those without food.
It's also just one family making/selling and profiting from these fire works. Bringing people into the city may be good for the economy, but that money doesn't go to the hungry and homeless.
 
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Hate crowds too .lf you went to Leeds UK on a Saturday there were people coming at you in all directions you could hardly move goodness know what it would be like today as that was in the 50's.
Looking forward to your Greek News Cake recipe. My mum used to make Christmas Puddings that she put silver sixpences in.
My nan used to make puddings with a coin in it.

I usually make a fruit cake and put a coin in but with everything happening with the baby I didn't bother.
I marinate it for at least 6 weeks and his birth happened t this time
 
My nan used to make puddings with a coin in it.

I usually make a fruit cake and put a coin in but with everything happening with the baby I didn't bother.
I marinate it for at least 6 weeks and his birth happened t this time
Enjoy your newborn. Fruit cake can be had anytime.
 
Hate crowds too .lf you went to Leeds UK on a Saturday there were people coming at you in all directions you could hardly move goodness know what it would be like today as that was in the 50's.
Looking forward to your Greek News Cake recipe. My mum used to make Christmas Puddings that she put silver sixpences in.
Born and bred in Leeds in 1948 came to Australia in 1974. Dont remember crowds you talk about??
 
Hate crowds too .lf you went to Leeds UK on a Saturday there were people coming at you in all directions you could hardly move goodness know what it would be like today as that was in the 50's.
Looking forward to your Greek News Cake recipe. My mum used to make Christmas Puddings that she put silver sixpences in.
Yes, our mum did the same. "Trasy & Zacs" were the go alright. "Luved" 'em good & proper.

NOVEZAR.
 

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