New Year’s Eve celebration brings hope for year ahead

Liverpool’s community spirit was on full display on the eve of 2020, with thousands coming together at Liverpool City Council’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

Light Up the Lake took over Grand Flaneur Beach at the picturesque Chipping Norton Lake where people rang in the New Year alongside family and friends with fantastic live entertainment, carnival rides and food.

Extreme weather conditions meant the Channel 10 fireworks displays couldn’t go ahead safely, but that didn’t quell anyone’s spirits.

Revellers dug deep and helped Council and its fundraising partner, the Rotary Club of Liverpool, to raise more than $2300 on the night for the NSW Rural Fire Service. The bucket collection adds to Council’s donation of $20,000 that will assist in providing essential services during this summer’s extreme bushfire season.

“2019 was a huge year for Liverpool and Light Up the Lake was a grand finale to cap it off,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“From the unveiling of world-class community infrastructure such as Casula Parklands to delivering bigger, brighter events and much more, Liverpool continues to be a city on the move and we won’t be slowing down this year.

“Last year also presented challenges and we extend our condolences to those who suffered illness, lost loved ones or are experiencing hardship this bushfire season. It’s during difficult times like these that the Australian people’s selflessness and courage shine through.

“I wish to personally thank everyone who donated to our collection for the NSW Rural Fire Service and appreciate all who joined us to ring in a new decade among family and friends.”

Light Up the Lake attendees are encouraged to visit listens.liverpool.nsw.gov.au and have their say to help Council continue delivering exceptional event experiences.

“Following Light Up the Lake, we have a bumper line-up of Liverpool summer festivities in store for locals and visitors,” Mayor Waller said.

“Council’s next Love Livo Nights pop-up bar will be a special welcome to the New Year for those living, working and studying in Liverpool.

“I invite people who’ll be in Liverpool on the evening of Thursday 16 January to come and have some after-work drinks, a bite to eat and to enjoy live music with friends and colleagues.”

The next instalment of Love Livo Nights will be held from 5pm–8pm on Thursday 16 January at Augusta Cullen Plaza, 296 Macquarie St, Liverpool.

“Our much-loved Australia Day festivities return to Woodward Park, bringing people from all walks of life together to celebrate our lively, multicultural city,” Mayor Waller said.

“From 5pm–10pm on Sunday 26 January, residents can experience a stellar line-up of live entertainment, delicious international cuisine, children’s activities, carnival rides and the Channel 10 fireworks spectacular at 9pm.

“We will once again be collecting donations for the NSW Rural Fire Service to support their continued efforts to protect homes and wildlife from bushfire.”

Visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/australiaday for more event information.

Council wishes to thank Channel 10 (Exclusive TV Partner) for their support of Light Up the Lake and Australia Day.