New Years Eve 25 Years ago: 1994

Today is New Years Eve and this entry will look at how Sydney marked the arrival of 1995.

How Sydney celebrated New Years Eve in the 1990's was big compared to the decades before it, but would pale in comparison to today. It has become an annual custom when looking at entries from the 1990's to highlight the "big changes" that have occurred since.

But each year represents a step in the evolution of New Years Eve Celebrations in Sydney.

In previous entries, the key developments in the modern evolution of New Years Eve Celebrations in Sydney have occurred:

1989 - Introduction of a major New Years Eve spectacular on Sydney synchronized to a musical soundtrack, simulcast on radio.
1990 -  First launch of fireworks from the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of the New Years Eve Fireworks (First major launch for any fireworks show was Australia Day, 1988 which was the Bicentenary of Australia. At the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy in 1986, fireworks were released only from underneath the road deck). Alcohol Free Zones were introduced.
1993 - Reintroduction of midnight fireworks displays in Central Sydney at Darling Harbour and Sydney Tower.

New Years Eve fell on a Saturday in 1994 which gave people an excuse to go out that Saturday evening.

What was new for New Years Eve in 1994?

The Skyshow (9pm fireworks) was telecast for the first time on Channel Seven. It was a delayed broadcast from 11:55pm to 12:30am. It also screened in Brisbane at 12:15am local time. 2DAY FM played the soundtrack live as the fireworks exploded above. Those attending were encouraged to bring a portable radio with them.

As with previous years, the fireworks were released near the Opera House and from The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Above: Enlargement of the fireworks locations in central Sydney as published in The Sydney Morning Herald on December 31, 1994.

A midnight display was provided at Darling Harbour and fireworks were released from Sydney Tower to welcome in 1995.

The Sun Herald (January 1, 1995) featured the Sydney Harbour Bridge exploding in fireworks on Page One.

The Sunday Telegraph (January 1, 1995) decided not to feature the fireworks from Sydney Harbour on Page One, opting for a photo of the midnight fireworks show at Darling Harbour.

Attendances according to reports in both newspapers put the estimated crowd attending festivities at one million. The previous year reported either 1.5 million or 350 000 depending on what newspaper you read (either The Daily Telegraph Mirror or The Sydney Morning Herald ). We can say that New Years Eve 1994 was the first to crack the one million mark for attendance.

The newspapers didn't report on anything extraordinary on the festivities. Police were happy with behaviour and there was the usual crack down on drunks with "some arrests".

Public transport was encouraged. There were no delays compared to the year before but extra services were provided as per usual on all modes. There were diversions and changes to routes to accomodate road closures and congestion. Below is a State Transit advertisement as published in The Daily Telegraph Mirror on December 31, 1994.

On reflection, it appeared that Sydney now had begun to establish a New Years Eve tradition of a mid evening fireworks show on Sydney Harbour and Midnight fireworks at Darling Harbour and Sydney Tower. The people of Sydney had warmed up to a major celebration of the arrival of the New Year. It also had attracted visitors from regional areas, around the nation and around the world.

As the 1990's continued, it would remain the same until the move to midnight celebrations in 1998.

Tune in next year for New Years Eve 1995.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Christmas Snapshot: 1994

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

It is an annual custom to wind the clock back 25 years to remember how Sydney marked Christmas. This year it is 1994.

Usually, I have been able to share retail advertisements for Christmas, but at the time of going through the reel did not collate them.

Still, I have plenty to share.

Carols in The Domain was held on Saturday. Crowds in 1994 were reported to be 120 000, but I think the figure was more 100 000. For safety reasons, to attain that capacity is difficult today. 

Source: Gora, B. 1994. "Carols celebrate the spirit of Christmas". The Sunday Telegraph, December 18: 51.  

With Christmas Eve on the last Saturday before Christmas (Fell on a Sunday), the carols were held earlier than usual -  December 17.

The Sunday Telegraph was published on Christmas Day. Traditionally, newspapers do not publish on this day in Sydney.

Below is Page One plus a feature on those who had to spend the day working. We should be grateful to those who do have to work so that we can enjoy the day and keep essential services running.

As in 2019, NSW was affected by drought. I remember that it rained on Christmas Day in 1994. The rain stretched inland in parts of the state. The drought ended the following year. Could we see this in 2020? Below is coverage from The Daily Telegraph Mirror (26 December 1994).

The rain did not spoil celebrations for those at Bondi Beach (see above) with backpackers converging on the beach to celebrate the day together.

Finally, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Remember this?: AMOCO Petrol Station at Sans Souci opens (1962)

Remember This? is back for the Summer.

The corner of Rocky Point Road and Russell Street in Sans Souci is occupied by a BP Petrol Station. Its origins date back to 1962 when it opened as an AMOCO petrol station. Below is a full page advertisement to promote its opening.

Source: Anon. 1962. "Untitled" (Advertisement). The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, November 7: 8.

For the next two weeks, we will publish on Tuesday with Christmas Eve and New Years' Eve falling on those days. You will be able to find out how Sydney marked Christmas in 1994 and welcomed in 1995.

Property Advert of the Week: The Madison, East Sydney (1997)

This is our last Property Advert of the Week  for 2019.  Below is a 1997 newspaper advertisement for The Madison in East Sydney.

Source: Marsim Group. 1997. "The Madison" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, July 5: 13RE (Real Estate Liftout).

I look forward to continue to share old Sydney real estate advertisements in 2020. Our first entries will return in February.

MILESTONE: The Eastern Distributor turns 20 (1999)

Source: McCabe, K. "Freeing up east's road jams tonight". The Sunday Telegraph, December 19: 48.

This month, the Eastern Distributor will celebrate 20 years of service to Sydney motorists. The motorway was opened on December 19, 1999 although the on and off ramps at William Street did not open until July 23 2000.

The opening of the Eastern Distributor also led to significant changes in traffic flow in inner Sydney. South Dowling Street was reduced from three lanes to two in each direction while Crown and Bourke Streets were restored into two way streets. Crown Street had fed northbound traffic while Bourke Street carried southbound traffic.

This was not welcomed by motorists, some of whom refused to initially pay the one way toll ($3) and continued their old habits believing that there would be a "rat run" on offer. Traffic changes placed priority on local traffic and increased travel time for the "rat runners". Some were not aware of the changes and had to make long detours to reach their destination.

It did lead to rethinking on whether or not toll free routes should offered to motorists. Now it is an  expectation that one should be provided e.g. Parramatta Road acts as a free alternative to the M4 and Westconnex Motorways.

For others, the new motorway was a blessing which meant no longer needing to drive through inner Sydney streets to reach the city or cross the harbour. They could avoid up to 17 traffic lights.

Below is some media coverage from The Daily Telegraph. 

Source: Lipari, K. 1999. "The lights are green, but nobody's moving". The Daily Telegraph, December 24: 6. 

Source: Trute, P. & Luff D. 1999. "Long way home for toll dodgers: But it's a smooth run on the motorway. The Daily Telegraph, December 21, 4 & 5.

Property Advert of the Week: Walker Corporation Developments (1997)

This week, I will share a 1997 newspaper advertisement from Walker, promoting developments in the inner city and inner west.

Source: Walker Corporation. 1997. "Only the best with Walker" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, November 22: 24RE (Real Estate Lift Out). 

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Alternative scheme for the Westpac Place site (1999)

Source: Skelsey, M. "City block bulldozed for units". The Daily Telegraph, March 10: 5.

The block bounded by Kent, Erskine, Napoleon and Sussex Streets (KENS) is home to Westpac Place, which is regarded as one of Sydney's largest buildings in terms of office space (also in terms of space per floor).

Twenty years ago, there was a scheme for the site that involved the construction of three 80 metre apartment towers which caused tremendous controversy for Sydney City Council. The council refused to approve the scheme because the towers were too close to each other, but were willing to approve the scheme if one tower was removed.

Developer Multistar took this to the Land and Environment Court and won approval.

Even the tower we see today had its difficulties in gaining approval - bulk, height and wind tunnel concerns were problems, but construction began in 2003 and was officially opened in 2006.

Fast forward a decade and a half and the Barangaroo development makes the building appear small.

Source: Skelsey, M. 2001. CBD tower's glaring faults: Authority warns of problems. The Daily Telegraph, July 4: 14.

Property Advert of the Week: St Andrews Tower, Raleigh Park (1994)

Below is an advertisement for St Andrews Tower which is part of the Raleigh Park complex at Kensington.

Source: Mirvac & Westfield. 1994. "St Andrews at Raleigh Park" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 12, 48.

1989: The first non-stop London to Sydney flight

Just over a week ago (November 15), Qantas conducted a non-stop flight from London to Sydney using a 787 Dreamliner jet. The flight which carried a few dozen passengers was for research purposes as Qantas aims towards providing direct flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York by 2022.

This flight was thirty years after the very first non-stop London to Sydney flight which was also undertaken by Qantas using a Boeing 747-400 jet. The 18 012km flight took 20 hours, 9 minutes and 55 seconds, arriving in Sydney on August 17 1989.

With the recent test flight involving the 787, it took 19 hours and 19 minutes to traverse the route. A new record.

Below is coverage from The Daily Telegraph from August 18 1989.

Property Advert of the Week: Chequers Burwood (1994)

In 1994, $380 000 bought you a home in the Chequers complex at Burwood. 

Source: Mirvac Projects. 1994. "Chequers" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 12: 48.

EVOLUTION OF WESTFIELD MIRANDA: The fourth expansion (2014)

This is our last entry in the evolution of Westfield Miranda (Miranda Fair). It has been a great and exciting journey of its evolution.

This month happens to be five years since the last of the expansions over its 55-year period occurred.

The timing was perfect. The centre was turning 50. The perfect way to celebrate a half-century of serving the Sutherland Shire.

But how did it get there?

The last expansion was in 1992, which made it the first in 22 years. It also meant that the first decade of the 21st century was the only decade where there was no major expansion or upgrade of the complex.

Meanwhile, the Sutherland Shire continued to grow in population, but disposable incomes were on the rise fuelling demand for high-end retailers.

In 2009, expansion plans were approved by Sutherland Council, but construction did not commence until 2013.

This resulted in the current centre featuring 470 retailers (up 100).

Expansion works concentrated on the western half of the complex, with the entrance moved forward to the Kingsway, and there was a reconfiguration of the layout, though some of the original areas from 1964 were retained. The office building was demolished, and there was controversy over the demolition of the famous revolving star atop the building. The Moreton Bay fig at the Kingsway Entrance was incorporated into the expanded complex.

Myer shrank its space from four floors to three. This allowed Woolworths to relocate into the space. on level 2 Woolworths anchored a new fresh food hall that is more upmarket than the fresh food hall located at the eastern end of the centre (Anchored by Coles, who replaced Franklins).

Mini majors led by international clothing brands, including Uniqulo and Zara moved in.

A major feature of the expansion was the construction of an entertainment precinct which included a new Event Cinemas complex (relocated from the basement at the Kiora Road end) and restaurants along the Kingsway. The cinemas opened in 2015.

The former cinema site was converted into a Skyzone, a trampoline park catering to kids. Despite its popularity, it is due to close.

Model (and local) Cheyenne Tozzi officially opened the redeveloped centre on November 27, 2014. Below is a Nine News Report from November 2014 reporting on Stage 2.

Below are photos I have taken of the centre as it is today. Photos were taken by yours truly.

Restaurant Precinct

Kingsway Entrance (including the Moreton Bay fig tree)

That concludes the series on the evolution of Westfield Miranda (Miranda Fair). Below are links to the previous entries in the series.

1962
1964 (Part 1)
1964 (Part 2)
1969
1971 (Part 1)
1971 (Part 2)
1984-1985
1992

Property Advert of the Week: The Allen Estate, Leichhardt

Below is an advertisement for town houses and apartments in The Allen Estate at Francis Street, Leichhardt.

Source: Ray White Real Estate. 1995. "The Allen Estate, Leichhardt" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 24: 92.

EVOLUTION OF WESTFIELD MIRANDA: More Expansion (1992)

The 1990's bought another expansion for Westfield Miranda which was its largest expansion to date. This was completed in 1992.

Westfield had spent around two decades purchasing sites in the block bounded by the Kingsway, Kiora Road, Urunga Parade and Jackson Avenue including shops, offices, Miranda Police Station and the Miranda Congregational Church. St Lukes Anglican Church refused offers to sell, though they did sell a small portion of the site.

For expansion to proceed (and gain support of locals and council), Westfield purchased sites within Miranda to relocate the police station (Cnr Wilcock Street and Kiora Road) and Miranda Congregational Church (Cnr Kariumbla and Kiora Street). Westfield also funded the construction of the new buildings for Miranda Congregational Church.

Source: Stark, N. 1991. "Huge Westfield complex set for Miranda". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, May 16: 2.

Expansion plans were officially unveiled in 1991. The expanded centre would contain 370 retailers, up from around 160 retailers..

New retailers included David Jones which meant that Miranda would once again have two major department stores on the one site. BigW was now forced to compete with Target and did an upgrade of their store.

Grace Bros did an upgrade of their existing store.

Greater Union would occupy an eight screen entertainment complex and was joined by a new food court and restaurants.

Above: Advertisement to promote the opening of Greater Union at Miranda in 1992.

The expansion was completed in stages with the full expansion officially opened to shoppers on October 1, 1992. The crowds flocked in their hundreds of thousands. Yours truely as a young child does remember going on that first weekend and yes it was full.

Source: Davis, G & Habermann, L. 1992. "Shopping crowds flock to Miranda". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, October 8: 2. 

Below are some advertisements to promote the Westfield Expansion as advertised in The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader on various dates in 1992.

Below is an advertisement for Country Road which promoted itself as a Department Store.

Westfield produced its own special advertisement for the opening of David Jones in August 1992.

Finally is an advertisement to promote Tilt, which was a video game and entertainment arcade complex. With the rise of video gaming during the 1990's, it would not see out the decade. It occupied the space now occupied by Aldi and The Reject Shop.

Property Advert of the Week: The Apartments of Phillips Landing, Concord (1995)

Below is an advertisement for The Apartments of Phillips Landing at Concord from June 1995..

Source: Stanton Hillier Parker. 1995. "The Apartments of Phillips Landing" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 24: 92.

Remember this? Free Rail Travel if you presented your drivers licence (1990)

I will return to my series on the evolution of Westfield Miranda next week. Below is a CityRail (Sydney Trains) advertisement from 1990 that offered free travel on Sydney trains upon presentation of their drivers licence after 9am on February 8, 1990.

Source: CityRail. 1990. "On Thursday After 9am Travel Free Anywhere On This Page Just By Showing Your Drivers Licence. The Daily Telegraph, February 6: 12.