I’ve just finished our final pre-event press briefing for #SydNYE. I wanted to share with you my opening remarks, to help further explain why the event is still going ahead.
Please watch the video.
Please watch the video.
I explain why we couldn’t cancel tonight’s event, and also how we will be channelling it to support Australian communities who have been impacted by the bushfires, by encouraging people to donate to the @RedCrossAU disaster recovery and relief fund.
You can do so here: nye.sydney/donate
As we reflect on the devastating impact of the bushfires, the really compelling issue here is climate change.
Australia is burning. Our national parks and native animals are being decimated. Our communities are being devastated.
People have lost homes, and people have died defending their communities. My thoughts tonight are firmly with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones to the fires, most recently Samuel McPaul.
As the driest continent on Earth, we’re at the forefront of accelerating global warming. What is happening is a wake-up call for our governments to start making effective contributions to reducing global emissions.
As we enter 2020, taking action on climate change remains the City’s top priority, and I once again call on the Federal Government to make the same commitment.
I wish everyone a very happy New Year, and a resilient 2020.
