NYE13 Media Kit

NYE13 media kit

2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Media Kit contents

Introduction to 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve 3 Important media information 4 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve upcoming press conferences 5 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve media contacts 6 Transport changes and road closures 7 Maritime exclusion zone and boating safety messages 9 Maritime exclusion zone map 10 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve highlights 11 The Lord Mayor’s Picnic 13 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve fast facts 14 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve team backgrounder 16 Reg Mombassa bio and timeline 17 Media release: Reg Mombassa puts fresh Shine on NYE 19 Media release: Fireworks tribute for engineers who fight poverty 21 Media release: Fireworks won’t take shine off Sydney Opera House 23 Media release: Hologram coin bursting with NYE fireworks colour 25 Media release: Bridging gap to alleviate poverty 26 Media release: Take advantage of the NYE vantage point map 28 Media release: Access all areas so everyone can celebrate NYE 29 Media release: Mombassa masterpiece to go up in smoke 31 APPENDIX 1 – Vantage point capacity 33-35 APPENDIX 2 – News access and broadcast program 36-37 APPENDIX 3 – ABC media release: ABC TV to host New Year’s 38-39 Eve 2013

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Introduction to 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve

Sydney is the New Year’s Eve Capital of the World and this year the City of Sydney has put together another spectacular event with the help of artist and musician Reg Mombassa, who will set a new standard of excellence.

The 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks attract about 1.6 million people to the harbour foreshore and are seen on television by about 2.6 million Australians and more than one billion people worldwide.

Reg Mombassa, the NYE13 Creative Ambassador, worked with the City to develop the Shine theme, colour scheme and music for this year’s event.

“When I thought about the word Shine there seemed to be so many options but in the end I decided to go with the eye,” Mr Mombassa said.

“The eyes are the most interesting part of the human face and there is that idea of the eye being the window to the soul, as well as the spiritual aspect of the third eye, from which shines an invisible metaphysical laser beam.

“Sydney NYE is an inspiring and happy event where people get the opportunity to have a big party and enjoy their city at its best. I hope people enjoy the Shine theme.

“Some of the stuff that I do can be mildly confrontational but I have stayed away from that and produced images to suit the occasion, which is a family-friendly and fun-filled event, and it should stay that way.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Mombassa was admired for his work with Mambo clothing, pop-rock bands Mental as Anything and Dog Trumpet, as well as the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony.

“Reg is one of Australia’s greatest living artists and cultural exports who cleverly combines thoughtful insights with a signature irreverence, which reflects our life and culture,” the Lord Mayor said.

“His work is bold and colourful with an absurdist humour that brings a smile to people’s faces, so his unique vision is a perfect match for our biggest event.

“It will be fantastic to see his striking designs across Sydney and I can’t wait to see his rope-light Bridge Effect during the fireworks displays.”

Fireworks Director Fortunato Foti has choreographed two fireworks displays, which will feature 7,000 kilograms of explosive devices, including approximately 11,000 aerial shells, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects that will go off from barges, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“Sydney is by far the best place to do fireworks and I would think that everybody would agree we are the best country in the world in which to have New Year’s Eve,” Mr Foti said.

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Important media information

This media manual has been developed to assist media before and during the 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations. Sydney NYE is one of the most exciting events in the world and receives international attention for its spectacular Midnight Fireworks Display and Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect.

Members of the media are welcome to attend 2013 Sydney New Year's Eve and photograph all events occurring on Sydney Harbour from the many fantastic public vantage points located around Sydney Harbour, which stretch along 65 kilometres of foreshore land.

Media are encouraged to download the NYE13 app to receive news and updates on the night about vantage point closures.

Please note: there is no media accreditation and there are no designated media areas for TV filming, photography or reporting in operation on New Year's Eve. Journalists simply look after themselves on the night and usually find places along the foreshore to get their stories and photographs. The best place to go for all media information is the event website: sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre Twitter: #NYESYD

The City’s new online vantage points map features detailed information about more than 60 spots around the harbour and allows people to search for a place that suits. There is a no-glass policy at all sites and bag searches are conducted at certain areas.

Check the website to find out which vantage points have an alcohol-free policy or are managed sites. Also look for capacity at each site as they will close when they have reached capacity. For more details about vantage point capacities, see APPENDIX 1.

Make sure you plan your night and come prepared for the event. There is no parking at the Sydney Opera House as the car park will be closed.

On the website you will also find:  Media releases, fact sheets and downloadable video and images;  Interactive vantage point map;  Information on public transport;  A program of events;  Information about the NYE13 charity partner Engineers Without Borders;  Information about the creative team; and  Planning tips.

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Media contacts and upcoming press conferences

The 2013 NYE media team is headed by the City of Sydney’s Media and Communications Manager, Martin Wallace. The primary contact for media is Senior Media Adviser Jodie Minus.

2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve media enquiries: Jodie Minus 0467 803 815 or [email protected]

2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve media call: Tuesday 31 December 2013

When: 11am Tuesday 31 December 2013 Where: Dawes Point Reserve, Hickson Road (near the Park Hyatt Hotel) Please note – parking is very restricted Media contact: Jodie Minus: 0467 803 815 or [email protected]

New Year’s Day media call: Wednesday 1 January 2014

When: 11am Wednesday 1 January 2014 Where: Circular Quay, outside Aria restaurant near the Sydney Opera House roundabout (at the end of Macquarie Street) Media contact: Matthew Moore: 0431 050 963 or [email protected]

Throughout the night of 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve, high-resolution images will be uploaded to the NYE13 media centre for the media to download. Check in to sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre after 5.30pm, 9.30pm and 12.30am for updates.

2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve is proudly sponsored by Citibank, Telstra, 2DayFM, APN Outdoor, News Ltd, Twitter, Production Resource Group, Technical Direction Company, Action Sound, Brown-Forman, Carlton & United Brewery, Coca-Cola Amatil, De Bortoli Wines, Heir of The Dog, Imagination, Interface, Scarborough Wine Co, The P.A. People, The Menzies Sydney, The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, The Royal Australian Navy, NSW Maritime & RMS, Office of Environment & Heritage, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Sydney Opera House Trust and Sydney Ports.

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve media contacts Before Tuesday 31 December 2013 Sydney NYE Media contact Jodie Minus 0467 803 815 Tuesday 31 December 2013

Key Contacts Media Contact Contact No. City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Tyron Butson 0427 044 768 Moore Sydney New Year’s Eve City of Sydney media Jodie Minus 0467 803 815 Communications Centre 9265 9910

Other agencies Spokesperson Media Contact Contact No. Transport Management Media Personnel Christine Keyes 8396 1585 Centre 0459 808 645 NSW Transport & Infrastructure:  Trains RailCorp Media 8922 4346  Buses State Transit Media 9245 5488  Roads/traffic RMS 8588 5999  Ferries Sydney Ferries Kelly Stevens 9246 9685 NSW Police Force Police Media Unit Ainslie 8263 6100 Blackstone 0428 436 419 NSW Maritime NSW Maritime Media contact 8588 5999 NSW Ambulance Ambulance Media Media contact 9320 7796 0411 282 404 New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour Lisa Norris 0404 833 307 Darling Harbour Foreshore Authority 9240 8828 Royal Botanic Garden Media contact Karla Davies (PR) 0427 482 477 9231 8004 Josh Engelbrecht 0439 301 597 (Events) 9231 8329 Fire and Rescue NSW Public Affairs Media Officer 0418 181 000 Wednesday 1 January 2014

Key Contacts Spokesperson Media Contact Contact No.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Tyron Butson 0427 044 768 Moore

City of Sydney Media team Matthew Moore 0431 050 963

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Transport changes and road closures Public transport, walking or cycling is the best way to travel to Sydney New Year’s Eve, so leave the car at home. For public transport information, visit 131500.com.au For road closures, clearways and traffic information, visit livetraffic.com, call 13 27 01. RMS Media can be contacted on 02 8588 5999.

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Maritime exclusion zone and safety messages

In the interest of public safety, an exclusion zone – marked by lit yellow buoys – will extend from Cockatoo Island in the west, to Clark Island in the east. The exclusion zone is activated from 8pm on New Year’s Eve until at least 12.45am on New Year’s Day. No unauthorised traffic is allowed inside the exclusion zone and there is no access under the Sydney Harbour Bridge during this time. The exclusion zone remains active for approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the Midnight Fireworks Display to facilitate the safe clearance of the fireworks barges. Vessels must keep outside this area until the exclusion zone is lifted. A maximum 6-knot no-wash speed limit is in force between Cockatoo Island and Steele Point from 3pm, 31 December 2013 to 2am, 1 January 2014. If you need to move your vessel due to an emergency, speak with the operator of one of the on-water control vessels: Roads and Maritime Services, Water Police, Marine Rescue NSW. With so many small and large vessels in the dark at night, it is important that skippers adhere to the appropriate navigation lights, for the safety of their craft and passengers.

Advice to Spectators  Make it a safe night. Don’t take glass, know your limits and look after each other.  Maximum 6-knot no-wash speed limit in force between 3pm, 31 December 2013 and 2am, 1 January 2014.  Move into position early, preferably well before sunset, as popular spots such as Farm Cove fill quickly. Do not arrive late and try to push in between anchored vessels and the buoy line. You will be moved.  Exclusion zone in operation from 8pm, 31 December 2013 to at least 12.45am, 1 January 2014.  No traffic under Sydney Harbour Bridge from 8pm, 31 December 2013 to at least 12.45am, 1 January 2014.  Remember, be bright – think safety at night! Use appropriate navigation lights.  Do not use flood/spot lights high up. These lights destroy the night vision of other skippers.  Anchor clear of the exclusion zone buoys. Dragging anchor will not be tolerated. Do not allow your vessel to lie over the boundary line. Anchoring is prohibited in shipping channels after 2am, 1 January 2014.  Use Farm Cove only if your vessel is less than 15 metres in length.  Allow small craft to position themselves at the exclusion zone boundary.  When dropping anchor keep 200 metres clear of submarine cables or pipelines.  Rafting up will be permitted, but securing to the shore will not.  Keep under the 0.05 alcohol limit if you are the master of the vessel.  Don’t set off flares for fun. It is dangerous and illegal.

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 The transfer/loading of alcohol or glass to boats will not be permitted via all wharves in Sydney Cove, Man O’War Jetty, Farm Cove Precinct, Yarranabbe Park and Darling Point Park (McKell Park) wharves.

Eastern Pontoon and Man O’War jetty will close at 3pm, while Commissioners Steps and Harbourmasters Steps will close at 6pm to facilitate crowd management. It will not be possible to use these wharves when the adjacent precinct parks are closed, until approximately 6am, 1 January 2014. Refer to RMS website and relevant agency/council linked websites for further details. Families wishing to leave the Harbourside East after the 9pm Family Fireworks Display should contact the nearest RMS Maritime Boating Safety Officer. Call VHF 17 or 02 9563 8542 before the fireworks on the night, or ask a harbour volunteer.

2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Maritime exclusion zone map

Further information and vantage points are available from the NSW Maritime website at maritime.nsw.gov.au or the Maritime Infoline on 13 12 56. NSW Maritime Media can be contacted on 02 8588 5999

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve program of events

6pm: Matt Hall As people gather around the Sydney Harbour foreshore, flying ace Matt Hall will thrill everyone when he flies over in a high-speed MXS-R performance aircraft. Hall will perform vertical rolls, loops and tumbles at over 400km/h and will be joined by Lieutenant Dan O’Donnell, a fighter pilot based at RAAF Base Williamtown, north of Sydney.

7pm: Tedd Noffs fire tug The Ted Noffs fire tug will arrive and blast tonnes of water into the skies. Together with six vessels representing the State Emergency Service it will form a flotilla that travels from Millers Point to Fort Denison and back again. The spray from the Ted Noffs will create a spectacle in the setting sun.

8pm: Matt Hall Matt Hall returns to the skies for a solo aerobatic show. Hall says: “I’ll be six metres above the water and doing about 400km/h, and turning the plane with a G-force of 10. To give you an idea about 10G, an F1 race car turns at 4G and an F18 fighter turns at about 7.5G, so it’s pretty fast. The crowd is in for a real treat.”

8pm-2am: Projections on Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons Video projections will enliven the north and south pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge after sunset. The huge 18-metre by 24-metre images will be projected throughout the night with additional lighting to illuminate the whole surface area of the pylons.

7.30-8.08pm: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremony Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boats, including The Penguin, Tribal Warrior and Mari Nawi, will conduct a ceremony to cleanse Sydney Harbour of negative spirits. Traditional eucalyptus smoke will cleanse the past and prepare everyone for the New Year.

8.40-8.45pm: Acknowledgement of Country An Acknowledgment of Country will be held on the harbour to show respect to the traditional custodians of the land and sea, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and all First Nations peoples.

9pm-5am: Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect The Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect is a closely-guarded secret. The rope-light effect begins at 9pm with shapes, patterns and pictures, but only reveals its final, lasting image at midnight.

9-9.08pm: Family Fireworks The 9PM Family Fireworks is a tradition that lets families with young children enjoy a big display and travel home before the major crowds arrive for the Midnight Fireworks.

Foti Fireworks’ legendary pyro-choreography will light up the Sydney skyline, with rockets firing from four barges.

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This year the 9PM Family Fireworks will be synchronised to a music track created by NYE13 musical directors, Josh Abrahams and Davide Carbone. Josh and Davide have mixed a bright and friendly soundtrack. Tune in to 104.1 2DAYFM to listen.

9.15-11.30pm: Harbour of Light Parade® Following the 9PM Family Fireworks, the Harbour of Light Parade® begins. Fifty-one marine vessels will this year take part in this illuminated cruise around the harbour. The boats are strung with ropes of light based on the theme, Scintillating Sails, as a tribute to Sydney Opera House’s 40th anniversary.

10.30pm: Cranium Universe and Telstra Design a Firework competition Master pyro Fortunato Foti is faced with his biggest challenge: creating Reg Mombassa’s Cranium Universe artwork, purely from fireworks for a special one-off cracker display. The artwork, Cranium Universe, is a self-portrait by Mombassa in signature absurdist style, showing the inside of his head buzzing with a constellation of stars, planets, the sun and the moon.

This special 60-second show will also include fireworks designed by 13-year-old Queenslander, Tiffany Hughes-Drew, who won the Telstra Design a Firework competition.

11.59.50pm-12.12am: Midnight Fireworks and Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect The Midnight Fireworks will capture the essence of the Shine colours and Reg Mombassa’s style, and will be synchronised to a new music track created by NYE13 musical directors, Josh Abrahams and Davide Carbone. To listen, tune into 104.1 2DAYFM.

The fireworks and Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect are always a well-kept secret and should not be missed. The bridge effect has been the highlight of Sydney New Year’s Eve since the mid-1990s when the smiley face appeared on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Other bridge effects include:

1999: Eternity; 2000: Federation star; 2001: Uluru; 2002: Peace symbol and dove; 2003: Light show; 2004: Fanfare, the glittering ball; 2005: Heart; 2006: Diamond to mark the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s 75th anniversary; 2007: Hourglass; 2008: A shining sun (The Creation Storm); 2009: Yin-yang symbol (Awaken the Spirit); 2010: A red X (Make Your Mark); and 2011: Endless Rainbow (Time to Dream), designed by Marc Newson. 2012: Kylie Minogue’s lips and a butterfly.

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Lord Mayor’s Picnic

This is an invitation-only event – the Lord Mayor’s Picnic is not open to the public or media.

Every Sydney New Year's Eve the Lord Mayor invites 1,000 children with special needs, their families and carers from over 50 charities, hospital groups and organisations to attend a picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden. For many of the children the picnic is their only excursion of the year.

The City of Sydney provides entertainment, gifts and catering. Companies donate treats and toys for the children, and volunteers help out on the day.

The theme of the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Picnic is Sparkle in Space, with the children taking a fantastical journey to the moon to follow the adventures of two space travellers, Twinkle and Glitz. The children will help Twinkle and Glitz to repair their broken spacecraft, while having fun on the moon.

During the 9PM Family Fireworks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect will become part of Twinkle and Glitz’s adventure and the action at the party.

Gumscape with Animals and Spacecraft, by Reg Mombassa for the Lord Mayor’s Picnic All artworks available for download from sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve fast facts

 The City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is the world’s largest and most technologically advanced New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

 It draws larger crowds than Paris (100,000), London (700,000), Berlin (1 million) and New York City (1 million).

 The 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays are watched by about 1.6 million people around Sydney Harbour, telecast to a further 2.7 million people at home across Australia and estimated to reach about 1.1 billion people worldwide.

 Images of the Sydney New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks and Bridge Effect reach an estimated 1 billion people around the world, and research by Events NSW found the event contributes $156 million to the local economy.

 Fifteen months of hard work go into designing and preparing Sydney New Year’s Eve each year.

 The 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve Creative Ambassador Reg Mombassa, has worked with the City’s full-time NYE unit, led by Producer Aneurin Coffey, as well as creative producers Imagination Australia to develop the Shine theme for this year’s event.

 The Shine motif is an ‘all-seeing eye’, which Reg chose because eyes are “the most interesting part of the human face and there is that idea of the eye being the window to the soul, as well as the spiritual aspect of the third eye, from which shines an invisible metaphysical laser beam.”

 Each year the top-secret Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect is a highly anticipated part of the night and remains on the bridge for the following week. It begins at 9pm, but its final lasting image is only revealed following the end of the Midnight Fireworks display. The effect has been a highlight since the mid-1990s when a smiley face appeared on the bridge.

 Other bridge effects have included a peace symbol and dove (2002), a heart (2005), an hourglass (2007) and Kylie Minogue’s lips and a butterfly (2012).

 Over 1,000 accredited personnel work on the night of the event to ensure everything runs smoothly, with 300 volunteers also pledging their time and support to help with Sydney New Year’s Eve.

 The night begins when the words ‘Welcome to Sydney’ are projected on the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 17 languages, including English, Gadigal, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Greek, Italian, Swahili, Korean, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. These languages represent Sydney’s top migrant populations and tourist nationalities.

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 The fireworks display is carefully designed by Sydney’s Foti International Fireworks, led by Fireworks Director Fortunato Foti, and requires a pyrotechnical crew of 45 people. This is the 14th consecutive year the company has been involved in Sydney New Year’s Eve. Foti Fireworks is a carbon-neutral company that uses carbon credits, low-environmental-impact fireworks and recycling.

 Approximately 11,000 shells, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects will be used in the display, which is made up of 7 tonnes of fireworks.

 Fourteen shipping containers of equipment, weighing 120 tonnes, are needed for both the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays.

 Twelve computers will digitally launch the fireworks from Sydney Harbour Bridge, barges and buildings, shooting 10,000 cues. The computers will be used to fire the show and will ensure the fireworks are synchronised to the music.

 More than 60 kilometres of wire and cables link the launch computers and there are 130 firing points on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

 This year’s Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect will be twice the size as previous years: 36-metres tall and 72-metres wide. It will also use LED technology to create a new effect.

 The 9PM Family Fireworks will go off from four fireworks barges, while the Midnight Fireworks will ascend from seven barges, 10 jet-skis, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and – for the first time since 1999 – Sydney Opera House.

 The Harbour of Light® Parade features 51 illuminated boats, which make a majestic passage within and around the Sydney Harbour Exclusion Zone after the 9PM Family Fireworks, building up excitement before the countdown to midnight.

 The boats are decorated with coloured rope light based on the theme ‘Scintillating Sails’ as a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Sydney Opera House.

 The boats carry over 8,000 people and join more than 3,000 other vessels celebrating NYE on Sydney Harbour.

For a safe and enjoyable 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve: • Download the NYE13 app to receive live updates about the event; • Choose a vantage point in advance and be aware popular areas fill up quickly; • Plan ahead if you’re heading to the harbour foreshore and take public transport; • Remember not to take glass to the event, and place rubbish in the bins provided; • Tune your radio to 104.1 2DayFM to hear synchronised fireworks soundtracks; and • Watch the live broadcast on ABCTV, from 8.30pm-12.30am.

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2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve team backgrounder

Lord Mayor Clover Moore Clover Moore was elected Lord Mayor of Sydney in March 2004 and was re-elected in 2013. She is the first popularly elected woman to lead the City of Sydney.

Engineers Without Borders CEO, Lizzie Brown Lizzie joined Engineers Without Borders in 2004 as a volunteer in Brisbane and helped establish the South East Queensland chapter. She then took on the role of Director of Education from 2006-09 and held the position as Operations Director at the charity from 2009-10. Lizzie became EWB's CEO in May 2010 and moved to Melbourne for her new role. Lizzie is a Churchill Fellow and passionate about engaging engineers and students in meaningful community development programs.

NYE Producer, Aneurin Coffey Aneurin Coffey (pronounced ‘An-ai-rin’), 37, was raised in Perth, Western Australia, and began his career in theatre and events at 18 while working backstage in the Melbourne theatre industry. Mr Coffey completed a diploma in stage management at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts before moving to Sydney in 1997. He has worked on the City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve team for the past seven years. This is his third year as Producer.

NYE Fireworks Director, Fortunato Foti Fortunato Foti is a seventh-generation pyrotechnician and has been Fireworks Director for 14 years. ‘Forch’ – as he’s affectionately known – was also Chief Pyrotechnics Designer for the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. Foti Fireworks is a certified carbon-neutral company, which uses carbon credits, low-environmental- impact fireworks and recycling.

Imagination Australia Creative Director, Heath Campanaro Heath Campanaro was appointed Director of Imagination Australia in 2009, and has led the Imagination New Year's Eve team for the past three years. The Pyrmont-based creative agency has produced the creative for Sydney New Year's Eve since 2011 and has won the tender to continue in this role for the next three years.

NYE13 Musical Directors, Josh Abrahams and Davide Carbone Josh Abrahams is a Melbourne-based musician who emerged in the early 1990s. He has worked as a composer, performer, music director and producer on globally recognised albums, film soundtracks, and in television and theatre. He has won three ARIA Awards.

Davide Carbone is a multiple-award-winning producer, composer and sound designer. He has released over 100 tracks and worked on projects for clients including BBC, Virgin, Apple, Discovery Channel and Samsung. His work has been recognised through several awards from ARIA, Questar, Promax and Sony Radio Academy.

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NYE13 Creative Ambassador Reg Mombassa bio and timeline

Reg Mombassa is the pseudonym of Christopher O’Doherty, one of Australia’s best- loved musicians and artists, and one of the country’s finest cultural exports.

The 62-year-old was a founding member of pop-rock band, Mental as Anything, which released numerous chart hits and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009.

Reg left the Mentals in 2000 to focus on Dog Trumpet, the band he began with brother, Peter O’Doherty, in 1990. Dog Trumpet has released five albums and two EPs to critical acclaim and a new album, Medicated Spirits, was launched in August this year.

Reg’s artworks are held in many private and public collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of NSW, Museum Victoria, Powerhouse Museum and ArtBank. He has been a finalist for the Archibald, Sulman and Dobell prizes and his work has been shown around the world, including in New Zealand, the UK, France, Italy, China and Thailand.

Reg held his first painting exhibition at Watters Gallery in 1975 and has since been involved in more than 30 exhibitions with the East Sydney gallery, both under the names Christopher O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa.

Reg is also known around the world for his distinctive and provocative T-shirt and poster designs for Mambo clothing, whom he began working for in 1986.

In 2000, his artworks were seen by millions of people worldwide when he created a collection of large inflatable characters for the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.

In 2006, Smart Street Films released a documentary about Reg, Golden Sandals, and in 2009, Harper Collins published the definitive biography, The Mind and Times of Reg Mombassa, by Murray Waldren.

He is married to Martina Woodburne and the couple have three children.

1951 Born 14 August in Auckland, New Zealand. Educated at Westlake Boys High School. 1969 Migrates to Australia and settles with his family on Sydney’s northern beaches. 1969-70 Commences studies at the National Art School, Darlinghurst. 1970-75 Abandons studies after two years after becoming disillusioned with the course. Works as builder's labourer, cleaner, house painter and driver before re-enrolling as an art student. 1975-77 Continues studies and graduates from the National Art School with a Diploma of Painting. 1975 Meets Martina Woodburne at an election party in Surry Hills. Work is shown in first group exhibition at Watters Gallery, East Sydney. 1976 Forms Mental as Anything with four other art students Martin Plaza, Greedy Smith, David Twohill and Stephen Coburn. 1980 Son Darcy born.

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1982 Marries Martina Woodburne. 1983 Daughter Claudia born. 1986 Begins work as a freelancer designing T-shirts and posters for Mambo. Daughter Lucy born. 1990 Forms band Dog Trumpet with brother, Peter O’Doherty. First exhibition with Mambo at Ray Hughes Gallery, Surry Hills. 1994 Major touring show, Art Irritates Life, with Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. 1995 His ‘Real Wild Child’ exhibition poster, commissioned by Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, wins first prize in the American Association of Museums 1995 design competition poster category. 1996 ARIA Award for Best Australian Cover Art for Mental as Anything’s Liar, Liar Pants on Fire. 1998 Mambo Graphics publishes Still life with Franchise. 2000 Commissioned by Sydney Olympics to design Heroes segment for the Closing Ceremony, with six huge inflatable figures. Designs also appear on athletes’ shirts during the ceremony. Designs poster for the 2000 Paralympics Art Festival. 2001 Contributes section to the Federation Tapestry, installed at Melbourne Museum. Creates Snake flag for The Mambo Flags project at Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. 2002 Weekly illustrated column is published for a year in The Daily Telegraph. 2004 Plays role of ‘Gypsy Artist’ in Love’s Brother, written and directed by Jan Sardi. 2006 Real Wild Child is reproduced for the Australian Rock Posters stamp edition by Australia Post. Art on Foam, a touring exhibition of painted surfboards by 18 artists at four venues in France. 2007 Thirty-year survey show, The Art of Chris O’Doherty a.k.a. Reg Mombassa, at S.H. Ervin Gallery is officially opened by actor Jack Thompson. Designs five stamps for Australia Post’s Big Things series. Designs coins for the Royal Australian Mint’s Australian Artist series. A commemorative tone poem of surprising delicacy, is included in The Best Australian Poetry of 2006, edited by John Tranter, UQP. 2008 Dog Trumpet plays and art on show at Festival for Art Lovers and Artists, Bangalow, NSW. Has solo show at Spacejunk Gallery in Bayonne and two other French galleries. 2009 The Mind and Times of Reg Mombassa, by Murray Waldren, is published by Harper Collins. Mental as Anything is inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. 2011 Speaks at Semi-Permanent conference in Sydney and Brisbane. Finalist in Dobell Prize for drawing. Fifteen works exhibited in Les Enfants Terrible show at the Lyon Biennale. 2012 Harper Collins publishes Cranium Universe e-book of poetry, songs, pictures and interviews. 2013 Appointed Creative Ambassador for 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve.

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Media release: Thursday 6 June 2013

Reg Mombassa puts fresh Shine on NYE

Artist and musician Reg Mombassa will use his unique vision and absurdist humour to help Sydney Shine even brighter as Creative Ambassador for 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve.

Among the motifs created by the Glebe resident to characterise Australia’s biggest public event are a high-rise Sydney Opera House and a single ‘all-seeing eye’ to represent the 2013 theme, Shine.

Mr Mombassa’s illustrations for NYE13 will adorn banners, buses and bus-stops across the city in the lead up to the event and will also feature in the much-anticipated and top- secret Bridge Effect, which is only revealed at midnight on 31 December.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Mr Mombassa was admired for his work with Mambo clothing, pop-rock bands Mental as Anything and Dog Trumpet, as well as the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony.

“His work is bold and colourful with an absurdist humour that brings a smile to people’s faces, so his unique vision is a perfect match for our biggest event. It will be fantastic to see his striking designs across Sydney and I can’t wait to see his rope-light Bridge Effect during the fireworks displays.”

Mr Mombassa, 61, worked with the City of Sydney’s NYE team and Imagination Australia to develop the theme and said it was exciting to be working on an event that reached more than one billion people worldwide.

“It has been an interesting and challenging job designing artwork for what is arguably the biggest party in the world,” Mr Mombassa said.

“I have used the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House quite extensively in previous pictures so it was a familiar and attractive proposition to do something based on the harbour.

“Sydney NYE is an inspiring and happy event where people get the opportunity to have a big party and enjoy their city at its best. I hope people enjoy the Shine theme. Some of the stuff that I do can be mildly confrontational but I have stayed away from that and produced images to suit the occasion, which is a family-friendly and fun-filled event, and it should stay that way.”

Mr Mombassa has been busy in his studio for the past six months working on drawings to reflect the Shine theme, as well as four panoramic works featuring his interpretation of Sydney’s villages.

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Sydneysiders had the opportunity to see these works up close at Mr Mombassa’s new exhibition, Hallucinatory Anthropomorphism … Semi-Abstract Paraphysical Manifestations of the Collective Unconscious, which opened on Wednesday 19 June at Watters Gallery, 109 Riley Street, East Sydney. The exhibition ran until Saturday 6 July.

Mr Mombassa has also created tailor-made artworks for Sydney’s smartpole banners, which will bring art and colour to the city’s streets in the lead-up to NYE13.

The NYE13 Shine theme reflects a city where the sun, water and people all shine, while Mr Mombassa’s ‘all-seeing eye’ motif aims to encourage individualism while also representing Sydneysiders’ singular vision to live harmoniously.

“When I thought about the word Shine there seemed to be so many options but in the end I decided to go with the eye,” Mr Mombassa said.

Last year’s Creative Ambassador was pop princess Kylie Minogue, who encouraged Sydneysiders to Embrace and the 2011 Creative Headliner was designer Marc Newson, who had a Time to Dream theme.

The annual event attracts about 1.6 million people to the Sydney Harbour foreshore, while about 2.6 million people watch the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays on television.

Sydney NYE is also the single most important event, related to economic return in Sydney, generating about $156 million for the local economy.

Gumscape with City, by Reg Mombassa All artworks available for download from sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Wednesday 31 July 2013

Fireworks tribute for engineers who fight poverty

Engineers Without Borders will celebrate a decade of bringing clean water, sanitation and energy to needy communities worldwide as the City of Sydney’s official charity partner for 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve.

The humanitarian organisation has spent 10 years sharing its engineering skills to alleviate poverty in developing communities, from Nepal, Sri Lanka and East Timor, to Far North Queensland and remote Western Australia.

As the official charity partner, the group’s work will be promoted through the City of Sydney’s media and marketing programs, as well as opportunities through the event’s radio, print and television partners.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was proud to celebrate Engineers Without Borders’ first 10 years and looked forward to its life-changing efforts over the next decade.

“These inspiring men and women volunteer their time and skills working closely with local organisations to improve the quality of life in these communities,” the Lord Mayor said.

“And they do it voluntarily because they want to make a difference to people’s lives.

“Their clear vision and robust strategies have helped improve the health and wellbeing of thousands of people and have had a lasting impact on many communities.

“The City is proud to celebrate the first 10 years of Engineers Without Borders Australia through this charity partnership and I look forward to seeing this organisation continue its life-changing efforts over the next decade.”

Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB Australia) Chief Executive, Lizzie Brown, said it was a great honour to be working with the City of Sydney as part of its 2013 Sydney New Year's Eve festivities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to share our story and communicate the importance of engineering and technology in community development and poverty alleviation,” Ms Brown said.

“EWB Australia has strong support from the engineering and design community in Sydney. We would like to encourage everyone in Sydney to support our work both in Australia and overseas.

“By choosing EWB Australia as its 2013 Sydney New Year's Eve partner, the City of Sydney is helping us deliver humanitarian engineering solutions around the globe.

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

“In the past 10 years engineers have worked with over 100 partner organisations in nine countries.

“The impact of this work spans from assisting rural Nepali villages to access clean water and electricity, to developing the renewable energy sector in Cambodia and providing engineering education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Australia.”

Past Sydney New Year’s Eve charity partners have included The Fred Hollows Foundation (2012), CARE Australia (2011) and WWF (2010).

Sydney New Year’s Eve is the biggest public event in Australia, with the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks seen by about 2.7 million people across Australia. Images of the fireworks over Sydney Harbour are estimated to reach about two billion people worldwide.

People accessing safe water in Nepal. Photo: Andrew McMillan. For more information, visit ewb.org.au or contact EWB CEO Lizzie Brown on 0421 934 655.

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Monday 2 December 2013

Fireworks won’t take shine off Sydney Opera House

Over 1,000 fireworks will be launched from the sails of Sydney Opera House this New Year’s Eve, using specially designed pyrotechnics to protect the world-famous building as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The fireworks were developed specifically for the event by Foti Fireworks, so they do not damage the building’s tiled exterior.

It is the first time in over a decade that fireworks will be launched from the tops of four sails of the Sydney Opera House and they will be installed by a specially-trained fireworks crew, working 67-metres above the ground.

This year, the top secret Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect will also be twice as big as in previous years and will use new LED technology to form the centrepiece of the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays.

The effect, made up of 16-kilometres of rope light, will be as tall as a 12-storey building (36-metres) and 72-metres wide, with its lasting image remaining top secret until midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the event’s creative style and Shine theme was led by artist and musician Reg Mombassa, who was working closely with the Foti team to develop the event.

“Combining Reg’s unique creativity with the Foti family’s pyrotechnic skills will make this Sydney New Year’s Eve inspiring, daring and colourful,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We are marking the 40th anniversary of Sydney Opera House in the best way that Sydney NYE knows how – brilliant, specially-designed fireworks, firing from the world- famous sails. I expect this year’s event to have one of the most creative fireworks displays Sydney has seen.”

Mombassa said the Sydney Opera House was an inspiring building for artists – and pyrotechnicians.

“Apart from the fact that the Sydney Opera House is a distinctive and iconic structure, it’s interesting from the view point of an artist in that it totally changes shape according to where you’re observing it from,” Mombassa said.

“Also, the ever-changing weather patterns and the light from the sun and artificial sources in the city are constantly absorbed and echoed because of the reflective whiteness of the tiles. These are magical qualities not usually associated with rectangular coloured buildings."

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Fortunato Foti, now in his 14th year as NYE Fireworks Director, said the pressure was always on make the world-renowned fireworks displays better than ever.

“For the first time in over a decade, the Sydney Opera House will be one of the main attractions of the fireworks display,” Mr Foti said.

“The fireworks are specifically designed so that they protect the exterior of the Sydney Opera House. It’s always a challenge to create a fireworks display that’s bigger than the previous one, and this year is certainly no different.

“Inspiration for this year’s fireworks display has been taken from Reg Mombassa’s work which, as always, is very colourful and unique. It’s been a challenge pulling it together, but I think the crowds will be impressed on the night.”

Sydneysiders can also visit the Sydney Opera House forecourt to see a huge 60-metre by 6-metre mural that Mombassa created to disguise work sheds while the building undergoes a vehicle access and pedestrian safety improvement project. The work, Millenial Wallscape: The Triumph of the Gum, will remain at the forecourt until the end of February next year.

NYE13 banners across the city will also feature Mombassa’s cheeky Hi-Rise Opera House artwork. “This is what the Sydney Opera House would look like if it were to be jacked up and reclad with red bricks and rusty corrugated iron. This would give it a more typically Australian look,” Mombassa said.

NYE13 Creative Ambassador Reg Mombassa with Lord Mayor Clover Moore. All images available for download from sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Monday 2 December 2013

Hologram coin bursting with NYE fireworks colour

In an Australian first, coloured holograms will capture the 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations on a special edition collector coin, developed by the Royal Australian Mint.

The $1 silver proof coin will feature an image of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect, which is revealed at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the commemorative coin would become a collector’s item and was the first in a 10-year series to be released on 1 January each year.

“Each year, tourists and Sydneysiders ask whether they are able to take home a special memory of Sydney New Year’s Eve, so for the first time we’re creating this special piece of memorabilia,” the Lord Mayor said.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect will be based on the artworks of NYE13 Creative Ambassador Reg Mombassa, who has created an ‘all-seeing eye’ to symbolise the event’s Shine theme.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Honourable Steve Ciobo, said the coin allowed the fireworks to be shared all over the world, making it even more of a special memento of Sydney and Australia.

“The Royal Australian Mint develops coins that capture moments of history and allows the story to be told for years to come, so we see this as being able to share a world- renowned Australian event for years to come,” Mr Ciobo said.

Designed by Royal Australian Mint artist Aaron Baggio, the 99.9 per cent fine silver proof coin will feature a colour hologram that changes to show the bursts of light appearing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the world-renowned Midnight Fireworks display.

Mr Baggio said it was an honour to work on such an exciting and innovative coin for the Royal Australian Mint.

“Being an Australian first, it was a welcome challenge to apply my design and work it into a hologram shim and colour print design – and the result couldn’t have turned out any better,” Mr Baggio said.

The coin will be presented in a special capsule and housed in a leatherette presentation case and printed outer box. The recommended retail price is $120 including GST. The coin is available for pre-order from the Royal Australian Mint online shop eshop.ramint.gov.au and call centre, with the actual sale date being 1 January 2014 once the effect is revealed.

To download images and video of the coin, visit sydneynewyearseve.com/media- centre

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Monday 2 December 2013

Bridging the gap to alleviate poverty this NYE

As attention focuses on Sydney’s most recognised landmarks this NYE, Engineers Without Borders Australia will show revellers how engineering can help alleviate poverty throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Engineers Without Borders Australia is the chosen charity for City of Sydney’s New Year celebrations and the not-for-profit organisation is celebrating 10 years in providing access to engineering and technology that meets basic human needs.

Lizzie Brown, Engineers Without Borders Australia CEO says engineering is fundamental to improving the quality of life of communities in most need and asks for support this NYE through donations, visiting their pop-up sites and to spark a conversation about the work undertaken for our closest neighbours and in Australia’s own backyard.

“Each new year we turn to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as the key focal points of our celebrations. At the same time our members are delivering humanitarian engineering projects throughout eight countries to provide people with access to shelter, renewable energy, Information and communication technology (ICT), water management and disability access,” said Lizzie.

Humanitarian engineering builds capacity by involving communities in solutions and providing training so that new infrastructure is maintained and people’s quality of life continues to improve once the project is complete.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City was proud to celebrate Engineers Without Borders’ first 10 years and support its life-changing efforts over the next decade.

“These inspiring volunteers at Engineers Without Borders use their time and skills to work closely with local organisations across our region,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Their work is improving the quality of life and having a lasting, positive impact on many communities.

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Each year, hundreds of professionals and students volunteer their engineering skills to bring a life of opportunity by improving public health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, infrastructure, employment and livelihoods to communities.

Engineers Without Borders Australia has passionate and highly motivated professionals who commit to creating change through successful and long-term partnerships with community organisations, engineering companies and universities.

These partnerships work towards:  A sector-based approach to poverty alleviation – systematically building the capacity of local engineers and engineering institutions in the countries in which we work, to deliver high quality, people-centered projects.  Transforming the Australian engineering sector by imbedding humanitarian principles into core engineering practice.  Incubating exceptional people and their ideas that have the potential to create lasting change through humanitarian engineering.  Knowledge sharing activities, including capacity building with emerging EWB groups through the international network of EWB organisations.

Engineers Without Borders – Fast Facts

 Work in seven countries: Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, East Timor  Network of 15,000 supporters  1,500 members  18 corporate partners and supporters  28 University partners

About Engineers Without Borders Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) is a not-for-profit organisation focused on creating systemic change through humanitarian engineering. We do this by working in partnership with local organisations and institutions to address a lack of access to basic human needs such as clean water, sanitation and hygiene, energy, basic infrastructure, waste systems, information communication technology and engineering education. This year marks EWB’s 10th anniversary. Over the last 10 years, EWB has grown to a movement of over 15,000 individuals and organisations working together to improve quality of life in developing communities through humanitarian engineering. The impact of EWB’s work spans from assisting rural Nepali villages to access clean water and electricity, to developing the renewable energy sector in Cambodia and providing education opportunities for Aboriginal youth in Australia. To support the work for EWB visit: www.ewb.org.au/donate

For more information visit www.ewb.org.au or contact Lizzie Brown, EWB CEO – 0421 934 655

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Wednesday 11 December 2013

Take advantage of the NYE vantage point map

Sydneysiders and visitors can find the best spot to ring in the New Year with the City of Sydney’s fireworks celebration online vantage-point map.

The City has revamped the online map to make it easier for everyone to find the best spot to suit their needs and receive live updates about more than 60 viewing spots, from Manly Cove, to Alexandria and along the harbour foreshore.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the official NYE online map at sydneynewyearseve.com/vantage-points was essential for people planning their night, whether they’re a family, require wheelchair access or are looking for a place to celebrate.

“More than 1.6 million people gather around the harbour foreshore to watch the world- famous New Year’s Eve fireworks and to enjoy the pre-show entertainment,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Planning ahead is a crucial part of making sure you celebrate New Year’s Eve safely. By using our online map, people can search for the best vantage point, receive live updates and access detailed information about each site to ensure everyone enjoys the night.

The online map can help people select their ideal spot, by searching for features, such as:

 Food and drink;  Alcohol restrictions;  Accessible toilets;  Entry fees; and  Mobility access.

The NYE website also features a ‘Plan Ahead’ page, offering tips on public transport, safe boating and keeping your pets safe on the night.

There’s also a detailed ‘Program of Events’ page with a rundown of the night’s entertainment, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremony, Harbour of Light Parade®, Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect and the world-famous 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays.

Media are invited to embed this short video encouraging people to plan their night: sydneynewyearseve.com/plan-ahead/watching-the-fireworks/

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Monday 16 December 2013

Access all areas so everyone can celebrate NYE

NYE13 Creative Ambassador Reg Mombassa will appear larger than life this New Year’s Eve, when a video of him using sign language to say ‘Welcome to Sydney’ is projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons.

Along with Mombassa’s video, welcome messages will be displayed on the bridge in 16 languages, including Gadigal, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Greek, Italian, Swahili, Korean, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese, representing Sydney’s top migrant populations and tourist nationalities.

The special video is just one of the many ways the City of Sydney is working to improve accessibility at Australia’s largest annual event, which attracts 1.6 million to the harbour foreshore, and includes an audio description of the fireworks displays for people with visual impairments.

Mombassa was taught Auslan sign language by a representative from the Deaf Society’s Sign Language Communications.

"When they asked me to do the signing to say 'Welcome to Sydney' I thought it would be relatively easy but it is actually a subtle and fluid visual language and it took quite a few goes to get a simple message to make sense,” Mombassa said.

“It is great to think that hearing impaired people will be able to follow the audio commentary along with everyone else."

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City would again be offering a range of services to ensure people living with disabilities were able to fully enjoy Sydney New Year’s Eve.

“We’re committed to making Sydney accessible all year round and New Year’s Eve is no different from any other night,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Everyone should have the ability to join in our free fireworks celebration and we’re making that possible by increasing the number of Spectator Services staff, who will ensure people can get the information and advice they need.

“We’re also publishing step-free maps showing the most easily accessible routes to vantage points, and producing an audio description of the fireworks displays for people with visual impairments.”

The 2.5 hour audio description of the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays will be available on radio station 2RPH AM, FM, digital and online.

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It will include commentary of the celebrations as well as special behind-the-scenes interviews with Mombassa, the Lord Mayor, Fireworks Director Fortunato Foti and NYE Producer Aneurin Coffey.

A dedicated accessibility page on the official NYE website, sydneynewyearseve.com, will also provide information about accessible transport options and boasts an interactive vantage point map that highlights accessible facilities around the Sydney Harbour foreshore.

Image of Reg Mombassa using sign language to say, ‘Welcome to Sydney’ and ‘Shine’. All images and video of Reg signing is available for download from sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Media release: Friday 27 December 2013

Mombassa masterpiece to go up in smoke

Master pyrotechnician Fortunato Foti is facing his biggest challenge yet this Sydney New Year’s Eve - creating a complex Reg Mombassa artwork entirely from fireworks for a special one-off cracker display.

The artwork, Cranium Universe, is a self-portrait by NYE Creative Ambassador Mombassa in signature absurdist style, showing the inside of his head buzzing with a constellation of stars, planets, the sun and the moon.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Cranium Universe fireworks display would delight the crowds during a special display at 10.30pm, between the 9PM Family Fireworks and the world-famous Midnight Fireworks.

“Reg is one of Australia’s most talented and best-loved artists, so it’s going to be a great moment to see his artwork come alive in fireworks above Sydney Harbour,” the Lord Mayor said.

“For anyone who has wondered just what goes on his head, this is it.”

The world-class event has brought together two renowned artists to collaborate on this special fireworks display. Mr Foti has been tasked with creating this challenging display – one of the most original and innovative designs for Sydney New Year’s Eve.

Mr Foti’s other pyrotechnical challenge this year was creating 1,000 fireworks that will be launched off four sails of the Sydney Opera House – for the first time in over a decade – without damaging the building’s delicate white tiles.

The fireworks will be installed by specially-trained fireworks crews working 67-metres above the ground.

In the past, Mr Foti has created fireworks in the shape of hands, musical notes, koalas, bees and birds.

Mombassa said Cranium Universe created a great challenge for the pyrotechnics team, who had to build fireworks in star, moon and sun shapes, and even a complicated Saturn shell.

“Cranium Universe refers to the fact that all the sights and sounds and words and deeds of the known universe actually exist in our head,” Mombassa said.

“Our perceptions of reality may be a purely subjective mind film, endlessly projected on the bony screens situated at the rear of every cranium.

“But on New Year’s Eve we will attempt to objectify some of the larger elements of the known universe, like the stars and the planets, by drawing and sculpting them with fireworks.”

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Mr Foti said Mombassa’s works were great to look at on paper, but challenging to recreate in the sky.

“Reg Mombassa is incredibly creative, both artistically and musically, so we’ve taken inspiration from his work and turned it into a fireworks display, which has been a great artistic challenge,” Mr Foti said.

“It’s certainly been a big challenge, but we’re confident it’ll be an impressive display.”

The Cranium Universe display will appear at 10.30pm alongside the winning work from the Telstra Design Your Own Firework competition. There will also be a Citibank blue moment during the Midnight Fireworks display, featuring only blue pyrotechnics.

This year the top secret Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect, which forms the centrepiece of the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks displays, will also be twice as big as in previous years and will use new LED technology.

The effect, made up of 16-kilometres of rope light will be as tall as a 12-storey building (36-metres) and 72-metres wide, with its lasting image remaining top secret until midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The NYE13 fireworks displays are made up of seven tonnes of pyrotechnics, which were loaded onto barges at White Bay, in Sydney’s inner west today, ahead of Tuesday’s extravaganza.

The fireworks list includes 11,000 aerial shells and 25,000 shooting comets, which will explode off seven barges spread across six kilometres of Sydney Harbour.

The 12-minute Midnight Fireworks require a pyrotechnical crew of 45 people, controlling 12 computers to launch the fireworks from 130 firing points on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and barges.

Cranium Universe, by Reg Mombassa, 2012 Artwork available for download from sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

APPENDIX 1

2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve – Vantage Point Capacity

SYDNEY – CITY

CIRCULAR QUAY  Circular Quay Promenade – free; capacity: 6,000  East Circular Quay – free; capacity: 8,000  West Circular Quay – 26,000  Sydney Opera House – free; capacity: 4,200  Cahill Expressway – ticketed event; capacity: 3,500 (each, in two sessions – the 9PM Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks)

MILLERS POINT  The Daily Telegraph Observatory Hill Vantage Point – free; capacity: 8,000  Clyne Reserve – free; capacity: 500

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN  Mrs Macquaries Point – free; capacity: 17,000  Midnight at the Oasis – ticketed event; capacity: 1,000  Tarpeian Precinct (Macquarie Street Lawns) – free; capacity: 5,000

THE ROCKS  Campbells Cove – free; capacity: 8,000  Dawes Point (TAR-RA) Park – free; capacity: 40,000  The Rocks – free; capacity: 34,000

SYDNEY – EAST

DARLING POINT  McKell Park – free; capacity: 1,000  Rushcutters Bay Park – free; capacity: 2,000  Yarranabbe Park – free; capacity: 10,000

DOUBLE BAY  Murray Rose Pool Blackburn Gardens and Beach – free; capacity: 500

ELIZABETH BAY  Beare Park – free; capacity: 2,000

ROSE BAY  Dumaresq Reserve – free; capacity: 250  Percival Park – free; capacity: 100  Tingira Memorial Reserve – free; capacity: 250

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KINGS CROSS  Embarkation Park – free; capacity: 1,500

POTTS POINT  Embarkation Park – free; capacity: 1,500

VAUCLUSE  Christison Park – free; capacity: 3,000  Nielsen Park – ticketed event; capacity: 400

DOVER HEIGHTS  Dudley Page Reserve – ticketed event; capacity: 2500

WATSONS BAY  Robertson Park – free; capacity: 500

POINT PIPER  Duff Reserve – free; capacity: 100

SYDNEY – WEST

BALMAIN  Illoura Reserve, Peacock Point – free; capacity: 3,000  Lookes Avenue Reserve – free; capacity: 1,000  Simmons Point Reserve – free; capacity: 300  Thornton Park – free; capacity: 1,000  Elkington Park – free; capacity: 3,000

GLEBE  Bicentennial Park – free; capacity: 6,000  Blackwattle Bay park – free; capacity: 2,000

BIRCHGROVE  Birchgrove Park – free; capacity: 5,000  Mort Bay Park – free; capacity:3,000  Yurulbin Park – free; capacity: 400

PYRMONT  Pyrmont Bay Park – free; capacity: 15,000  Pirrama Park – free; capacity: 12,000

ST PETERS  Sydney Park – free; capacity: 2,000

SYDNEY – NORTH

CREMORNE POINT  Cremorne Point Reserve – free; capacity: 5,000

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

GREENWICH  Manns Point – free; capacity: 2,000

KIRRIBILLI  Mary Booth Lookout – free; capacity: 2,000

MANLY  North Head – free; capacity: 400  Manly Cove Fireworks– free; capacity: 8,000

MCMAHONS POINT  Blues Point Reserve – free; capacity: 12,000

MILSONS POINT  Bradfield Park – free; capacity: 50,000

MOSMAN  Bradleys Head – ticketed event; capacity: 5,000  Taronga Zoo – ticketed event; capacity: various

NEUTRAL BAY  Kurraba Point Reserve – free; capacity: 1,000

WAVERTON  Waverton Park – free; capacity: 1,000  Balls Head Reserve - free; capacity: 2,000  Carradah Park – free; capacity: 2,000

SYDNEY HARBOUR ISLANDS

SYDNEY HARBOUR  Clark Island – ticketed event; capacity: 400  Fort Denison – ticketed event; capacity: 150  Goat Island – ticketed event; capacity: 780  Shark Island – ticketed event; capacity: 780  Cockatoo Island – ticketed camping event; capacity: 500

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

APPENDIX 2

2013 Sydney NYE News Access

ABC Television will be distributing news highlights of 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve under arrangement with the event producer, the City of Sydney.

The news highlights will include multi-camera and aerial coverage of the spectacular Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks display.

For information regarding news highlights and access please contact Kirsty Bradmore at ABC Television on +61 448 017 743 or [email protected]

Australia The following news highlights packages will be available at the times and durations below. All times are Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDST) on 1 January 2014.

1. 0030hrs 1 x 30-second highlights package 2. 0045hrs 1 x 90-second highlights package 3. 0100hrs 1 x five-minute highlights package 4. 0115hrs 1 x 12-15-minute highlights package

To register your interest please contact Kirsty Bradmore at ABC TV at [email protected]

These packages will be available from GlobeCast Sydney and will be distributed to all major news broadcasters and agencies. Contact: GlobeCast Australia Bookings Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 8258 7979 A logged description of the vision will be sent to an email address you provide to Kirsty Bradmore. Use of the vision is conditional and the following will appear on roll out of each news highlights package:

This footage is for television news access only. A limit of five-minutes of footage vision is the maximum that can be used. This footage is the copyright of the City of Sydney. For more information please contact Kirsty Bradmore +61 448 017 743 [email protected] or the City of Sydney on +612 9265 9333.

The vision will also be watermarked Sydney.com on the bottom left hand corner of the frame. ABC Television will have exclusive Australian use of the 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve footage prior to 0030 1 January 2014.

Please contact Kirsty Bradmore of ABC Television regarding news access +61 448 017 743 [email protected]

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

Terms and conditions apply.

Rest of the World The following news highlights packages will be available at the times and durations set below. All times are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) 31 December 2013.

1. 1330 1 x 30-second highlights package 2. 1345 1 x 90-second highlights package 3. 1400 1 x five-minute highlights package 4. 1415 1 x 12-15-minute highlights package

To register your interest please contact Kirsty Bradmore at ABC Television on +61 448 017 743 or [email protected]

These feeds will originate from GlobeCast Sydney and will also be available from BT Tower London (local ends: tbc).

Contact: GlobeCast Australia Bookings Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 8258 7979

These packages will be made available to the following news agencies for immediate release – Reuters – Associated Press

A logged description of the vision will be sent to each of these news agencies. Use of the vision is conditional and the following will appear on roll-out of each highlights package.

The vision will also be watermarked Sydney.com on the bottom left hand corner of the frame.

Live Access ABC Television can facilitate live access of 2013 Sydney New Year’s Eve for broadcasters outside of Australia. The feed will be approximately 12-minutes long and will be uninterrupted, multi-camera and aerial coverage of the Midnight Fireworks Display. The live feed will originate from GlobeCast Sydney and will also be available from BT Tower London.

Contact: GlobeCast Australia Bookings Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 8258 7979 Terms and conditions apply.

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

RELEASED: Thursday December 12, 2013

ABC TV TO HOST NEW YEAR’S EVE 2013 ABC TV is set to kick off your New Year with an explosive start as the official broadcaster of the iconic 2013 SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE Fireworks, live from Sydney Harbour.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2013 will be a four-hour television event presented by ABC Sport’s STEPHANIE BRANTZ and ABC2’s Dirty Laundry Live host LAWRENCE MOONEY and will capture all of the colour and excitement of the City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The broadcast will also feature a cast of much-loved ABC stars and characters, including RICHARD ROXBURGH (Rake), SHAUN MICALLEF (Mad as Hell), MICHALA BANAS (Upper Middle Bogan), CRAIG MCLACHLAN (The Doctor Blake Mysteries), ANNABEL CRABB (Kitchen Cabinet), MARGARET AND DAVID (At The Movies), the cast of comedy series THE MOODYS, the teams from THE CHASER, GRUEN PLANET and the new SPICKS AND SPECKS, plus many more.

The NEW YEAR’S EVE 2013 broadcast starts on Tuesday December 31 at 8.30pm on ABC1* with a live performance by PETE MURRAY and an official ‘Acknowledgment of Country’ and we’ll meet the man behind the events, Creative Ambassador REG MOMBASSA.

The younger viewers are in for a treat when their favorite stars from ABC3 and ABC4Kids including GIGGLE AND HOOT and the teams from GOOD GAME and STUDIO 3 party on with the 9pm Family Fireworks Display. ABC3 star KAYNE TREMILLS will take in the sights and sounds of the city as a roving reporter and we’ll cross to Brisbane and Melbourne to take a look at the events in those cities.

There will be live performances by IOTA and STONEFIELD, plus comedian SAMMY J AND RANDY and an irreverent Year in Review, looking back at the events that shaped 2013.

ABC News 24 will broadcast both the 9pm Family Fireworks Display and the Midnight Fireworks Display live AEDT.

Come celebrate your New Year’s Eve 2013 with us, on ABC TV.

#NYESYD

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre

RUNDOWN HIGHLIGHTS

8.30pm Opening welcome - Lawrence Mooney and Stephanie Brantz. 8.35pm Live performance by Pete Murray 8.40pm Acknowledgment of Country 8.45pm Meet Creative Ambassador Reg Mombassa 9.00pm Family Fireworks Display 9.17pm Year in Review – Part 1 (January-March) 9.30pm Live crosses to Melbourne and Brisbane 10.00pm Year in Review – Part 2 (April-June) 10.15pm Live performance by comedian Sammy J and Randy 10.45pm Year in Review – Part 3 (July-September) 10.54pm Live performance by Stonefield 11.06pm Live crosses to Melbourne and Brisbane 11.23pm Live performance by IOTA 11.30pm Year in Review – Part 4 (October-December) 11.56pm Live performance by IOTA 12.00am Midnight Fireworks Display

*ABC1 broadcast delayed to local times.

For further information please contact: Dylan Brookes, ABC TV Marketing and Communications 02 833 3852 | 0412 467 313 | [email protected]

sydneynewyearseve.com/media-centre