New Years Eve 25 Years Ago: 1996

Above: A poster promoting viewing points for the New Year's Eve fireworks as published in The Sunday Telegraph on December 29 1996.

As custom, our final entry for the year will look back at how Sydney marked New Years Eve 25 years ago.

Our year of focus is 1996.

If you have viewed my entries from previous years, you would have noticed the evolution of how Sydney welcomes the new year in the way that it does today. 

It started in 1989 with a thirty minute fireworks show at 9pm which was at the time a corporate event and launch event for the Festival of Sydney. In the years that followed, the show grew bigger and bigger. In 1993, the first midnight show was held featuring fireworks at Sydney Tower and Darling Harbour. The following year (1994) the SkyShow was broadcast for the first time, though it was it screened on delay.

The 1996 fireworks was the largest fireworks show held in Sydney since the Bicentenary in 1988 and would be a teaser to December 31 1999 and the Sydney Olympics in 2000 when the world would be treated to a special fireworks display as part of the festivities. 

Celebrations were "new-look" with Ric Birch producing the event at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. With the Olympic Games in 2000, he claimed that he would need ten times the amount for the 2000 Olympic Games fireworks display given the area that would need to be covered to provide the best experience for crowds gathered on Sydney Harbour. For Birch and Sydney City Council, this was a test event which they could learn from as they prepared for 2000.

Source: Totaro, P. 1996. "Sartor's $1.5m cracker for 1997". The Sydney Morning Herald, November 28: 3. 

Source: Papadopoulos, N. 1996. "Fireworks a dress rehearsal for 2000". The Sydney Morning Herald, December 31: 2.

Channel Seven had the rights to the fireworks for the 1994 and 1995 SkyShows. Channel Nine began a decade long association as the official TV broadcaster in 1996 and for the first time, the 9pm fireworks was broadcast live right across Australia. 

There was also a short broadcast of the midnight fireworks at Sydney Tower from 11:57pm to 12:02am. Below is the broadcast of the midnight display. Channel Nine's coverage was anchored by Catriona Rowntree and Richard Wilkins. The midnight show focused on fireworks launched from 10 points from in a southward direction from North Sydney to Sydney Tower in the 10 seconds leading to midnight where Sydney Tower exploding in fireworks to resemble an Olympic Torch on the stroke of midnight. 

Some time back, it was possible to view the full 9pm show but I believe copyright restrictions led to its removal. However there is an edited version of the live coverage if the short highlights package was not enough.

2UE provided the live simulcast of the soundtrack featured in the show.

As in previous years, the show lasted thirty minutes. However for 1996, there was a prelude to the main event. At 8:50pm, shells were launched at North and South Head.  Two Riverboat ferries with fireworks sailed from opposite ends of Sydney Harbour. One started at the Gladesville Bridge and the other at the heads before meeting at the Sydney Opera House. The fireworks launching points increased to 25, which included buildings in central Sydney and North Sydney. The main fireworks barges were located near the Sydney Opera House. The now present boundaries for the New Years Eve fireworks were now set as people were encouraged to watch the show from vantage points anywhere along Sydney Harbour or the Parramatta River that had a view of the harbour bridge. People could stay local if they desired.

Source: Rogers, J. 1996. "A blazing good time". The Daily Telegraph, December 31:6. 

The theme for 1996 was Masquerade. Those attending New Years Eve celebrations were encouraged to wear a mask in the shape of the Sydney Opera House. The masks were distributed with The Sunday Telegraph on December 29 1996.

The mask was designed by Peter England

Source: Anon. 1996. "Man behind the mask". The Daily Telegraph, December 24: 15.

Syd Howard was appointed as fireworks producer for yet another year which involved the release of 16 000 individual fireworks shells.

Source: Anon. 1996. "Sparks will fly for '97". The Daily Telegraph, December 17: 18.

Transport

Source: Sydney Buses, Sydney Ferries & CityRail. 1996. "New Year's Eve Bus, Train & Ferry Services" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, December 27: 28 (Metro Liftout).

Comparing transport arrangements for this year with 1996 is ineffective due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has meant that transport arrangements must reflect public health guidelines and COVID-19 safe practices, especially capacity limits on public transport. There was no pandemic in 1996.

Capacity is determined by the placement of green dots. At the time of writing, all seats on public transport could be utilised but limited scope for standing especially on trains. With limitations on standing, all modes cannot operate at the maximum capacity.

For 1996, a "small army" of drivers and staff were given the challenging job of transporting the hordes.

Trains operated throughout the entire evening to ensure no-one was left stranded.

Source: Phillips, M. 1996. "New year a moving time for the buses". The Daily Telegraph, December 27: 23.

Outside the city

For those who didn't want to travel into the city, Australia's Wonderland provided a whole nights entertainment for just $11.95 after 5pm with entertainment from The Wiggles, John Paul Young and a midnight fireworks show.

Source: Australia's Wonderland. 1996. "Happy New Year From Wonderland" (Advertisement). The Sunday Telegraph, December 29: 12. 

Bondi Beach was also another alternative for revellers, though there had been concerns of possible violence.

Fireworks Wrap up

The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald presented glowing reviews of the fireworks which was attended by at least 600 000 people, with 200 000 of those reported at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Some estimates by police placed the crowds at one million, the most attended fireworks since the Bicentennary in 1988. I remember there was also international coverage of Sydney's celebrations on news bulletins and programs from around the world. The world had taken interest in Sydney's celebrations. 

 

A Final Word...

I would like to wish you all a safe and wonderful new year. During January, look forward to weekly installments of Remember this?.

Christmas Snapshot: 1996 (Part II)

Click here to access Part 1.

This week is our second (and concluding instalment) looking at Christmas 1996. Lets focus on the festivities!!!

Carols in the Domain

On December 21, 100 000 attended the annual Carols in the Domain which was compered by Better Homes & Gardens Presenters - Noni Hazlehurst & John Jarratt. This was screened on the Seven Network right across the nation. 

Source: Snell, S. 1996. "Sydney's Christmas cheer: Carols attract 100,000". The Sunday Telegraph, December 22: 20. 

Below is a Youtube clip of the finale to the evening.

Christmas Eve

I don't know why I seem to enjoy Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day? Is it because its a normal day with the usual shops and services open as if the next day will be normal? Or is it because I can relax or in my family, the fact that have traditionally gathered that evening for Christmas Dinner like they do in Europe and Latin America. And yes, another family customs exchanging presents at midnight.

I do enjoy heading out to the city or even to a major suburban shopping centre and just observing proceedings along with a photo walk of the surrounding area on Christmas Eve. In the city, there is a sense of order, even amongst the panic last minute shoppers but the same in the suburbs. Grocery shopping on December 24 is where you may find an issue and in 1996 was the same thing especially at the Sydney Fish Markets. 

Also I enjoy reading old clippings relating to the "last minute" gift rush for Christmas. Some things never change, like the men who hold off buying gifts until December 24. Fortunately, a quarter of.a century later, we don't need to physically visit a shop to buy gifts, though this year people may have to visit a physical store with delivery times for online purchases increasing due to high delivery volumes within our postal system or those of private delivery companies. lingerie and cosmetics led the last minute gift purchases and gift cards believe it or not are now the most popular Christmas gift. 

 

Source: Gelastopoulos, E. 1996. "Men lead the last minute gift rush". The Daily Telegraph, December 25: 7.

Bondi Beach

The evening of Christmas Day the previous year saw a riot brake out. Police were determined that this would not be allowed to happen in 1996. Extra police would patrol the beach, Campbell Parade was closed to vehicular traffic and restrictions on the consumption of alcohol including designated areas for consumption. The closure of Campbell Parade was to prevent horns from bringing their cars into the area as they were identified as the trigger for the riots.

Source: Gee, S. 1996. "Police blitz on Bondi Party". The Daily Telegraph, December 23: 7.

In the end, it was peaceful. Trouble did not eventuate as reported by The Daily Telegraph on 26 December 1996.

Source: Porter, J. 1996. "Christmas in a cage". The Daily Telegraph, December 26: 3. 

This gathering has continued over the years without trouble, but COVID-19 has packed a punch. Hopefully as travel restrictions ease for foreigners in 2022, this custom will revert to what it was pre-pandemic.

St Patricks Cathedral, Parramatta

In February 1996, St Patricks Cathedral at Parramatta was devastated by a major fire that was deliberately lit. Christmas Day marked the first worship services to be held in the Cathedral since the fire.

Source: McMillan A. 1996. "Mass return to St Pat's". The Daily Telegraph, December 25: 2. 

In 1996, The Daily Telegraph was printed on Christmas Day. As a newspaper reader, I am not a fan of the decision to not publish on Christmas Day as they do now (and before 1994) because news doesn't stop, newspapers provide an essential community service and journalists and reporters will still work on Christmas Day. The internet is no substitute. In the United States, newspapers are published as per routine on Christmas Day. Fairfax (Now part of Nine Entertainment) newspapers did not publish on this day. Below are the Christmas features and editorial from Pages 11 and 12.

And finally, I wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas. 

Property Advert of the Week: Lakeside, Chipping Norton (1992)

This is the last of our Property Adverts of the Week for 2021 before we take a break for the summer. For this week, below is a newspaper advertisement for units in the Lakeside development at Chipping Norton. Only $118 000 secured you a unit.

 

Source: Mirvac Real Estate Pty. Ltd. 1992. "Lakeside" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, November 28: 9.

Property Advert of the Week will return in February.

Christmas Snapshot: 1996 (Part I)

This year, I will continue my annual tradition of looking back at Christmas from 25 years ago. For 2021, I will look back at 1996.

Given the material available, I will again split this into a two part series. This week will focus on Christmas advertising from major retailers as featured in the metropolitan newspaper while next week will focus on the day itself.

Grace Bros

I have observed that as the 1990's progressed, major department stores were placing fewer advertisements in major newspapers. One exception was Stocktake Sales that follow the post Christmas period.

I found one advertisement for Grace Bros that focused on electrical and whitewoods.

Source: Grace Bros. 1996. "Gift ideas for the last minute Christmas rush" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 18: 16.

Discount Department Stores

There was not much advertised in newspapers for 1996. Discount Department Stores are traditionally big with retail catalogues sent weekly to homes. COVID-19 has resulted in less emphasis due to possible transmission.

For loyal Target Customers, how about 12 1/2 percent off provided you shopped on December 16. I miss those days as they have gravitated towards "everyday low prices" like BigW and Kmart. Target may not have the physical presence like they once had but should they consider bringing it back?

Source: Target. 1996. "12 1/2% off everything today" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 16: 17. 

"$2 Stores"/ Discount Variety Stores

Chain discount variety stores may no longer be with us with the exception of The Reject Shop but lots of bargains on offer, especially Christmas items.

Below is one from Clints Crazy Bargains.

Source: Clints Crazy Bargains. 1996. Untitled (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 3: 16.

Crazy Prices was part of the Woolworths Group until 2001 when rival Go-Lo purchased the chain. I remember them in Rockdale in the site once occupied by the Woolworths Variety Store.

 

Source: Crazy Prices. 1996. ""Have a Crazy Christmas at Crazy Prices". The Sunday Telegraph, December 8: 141.

Technology

Adults could still give toys - "big toys" of course. Electronics retailers were keen for their share of Christmas spending. 

Source: Tandy Electronics. 1996. "The Answer is [tick] Tandy" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 18: 33.

Below is an advertisement from Dick Smith Electronics.

 

Source: Dick Smith Electronics. 1996. "You'll find presents for the whole family that are Just Right at Dick Smith Electronics!" (Advertisement). The Sunday Telegraph, December 15: 34-35. 

Brashs had good savings on computers and software.

 

Source: Brashs. 1996. Untitled (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 19: 26.

Officeworks had plenty to offer at their "superstores".

Source: Officeworks. 1996. "Taking care of Christmas" (Advertisement). The Sunday Telegraph, December 1: 42-43.

For our shutterbugs, good camera deals. Digital cameras were yet to be seen commercially. I recently picked up a catalogue for Ted's Camera Stores and you can still buy film cameras and film if you really love old fashioned photography.

Kodak is still trading, even after bankruptcy in 2012. Cameras (digital and film) can still be purchased and still active in image processing, though they are a small player when compared with Canon and Nikon. Ricoh is also a small player in 2021. 

Source: G&V Imaging. 1996. "G&V Great Value Gift Ideas" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 19:26. 

Fletchers Fotographics (since merged with Ted's Cameras) had their own offers as well. 

Source: Fletchers Fotographics. 1996. "Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas". The Sunday Telegraph, December 15:29. 

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones can easily fit in a stocking and were a gift suggestion back then. Phones were either analogue or digital. 

Source: RetraVision. 1996. "Talking Gift Ideas...Talk to Retravision". The Daily Telegraph, December 17: 17. 

Source: Telstra. 1996. "Pocket-priced deals on the world's best brands from Telstra MobileNet" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 19: 18. 

Books

Below is a newspaper advertisement from Angus & Robertson Bookworld. It's been a decade since they stopped operating physical stores but is a major player in the online book market in Australia alongside Amazon, Book Depository and Booktopia. For bookstores the final three months of the year (October-December) are marked by the major book releases for that year, well timed for Christmas. 

Source: Angus & Robertson Bookworld. 1996. "Red Hot Wanted Books". The Sunday Telegraph, December 15: 121. 

And there was a rule-breaker...

For those wanting discounts, traditionally one has to wait until the post-christmas sales. In recent years Australia has embraced Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, based on the American custom of Black Friday sales which for them is their busiest trading day of the year.

In 1996, Pauls Warehouse broke the rules, deciding to have their end of year stocktake sale before Christmas. 

Source: Pauls Warehouse. 1996. "End of Year Clearance Sale" (Advertisement). The Sunday Telegraph, December 22: 137.

Supermarkets

Like other retailers, Christmas is a peak period for supermarkets especially in the final days leading up to Christmas as people stock up on fresh food for their Christmas Dinner

Woolworths 

Admire some of the fresh food specials. 

Source: Woolworths. 1996. "Santa's Savers!" (Advertisement). The Sunday Telegraph, December 22: 30-31.

Food for Less & Flemings

Source: Food For Less & Flemings. 1996. "Christmas Super Savers". The Daily Telegraph, December 18: 

Coles

Source:  Coles. 1996. "You can count on Coles for Christmas" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 19: 22 & 23. 

Next Week in Part II, we will look at Christmas Festivities.

Property Advert of the Week: Engadine Land Release (1968)

Below is a 1968 newspaper advertisement promoting the sale of 62 lots at Engadine in 1968 located in what I believe is Karramarra Road & Banal Road. The deposit was $90 and lots ranged from $3400 to $4700. 

Source: Source: Treloar Realty Pty. Ltd. 1968. "Land $90 Genuine Full Dep. On Any Lot "(Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, June 8: 42.

1968: The Opera House lights up for the first time

In 1968, the Sydney Opera House was still five years from completion, yet were allowed to admire the building even in its incomplete form at night.

 

Source: Anon. 1968. "And now we see it in lights". The Daily Telegraph, August 16: 7.

Property Advert of the Week: Jacksons Landing, Pyrmont (1998)

Jacksons Landing is the housing development that occupies the site of the CSR complex at Pyrmont. Jacksons Landing was a staged development with buildings completed between 2000 and 2021. Below is one of the first advertisements to promote the development from 1998.

 

Source: Jacksons Landing. "The Harbour, the City...and now the new Waterfront Neighbourhood" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 2: 18 RE (Real Estate Liftout).

1964: The Royal Exchange Building closes its doors

1964 ended an era for wool trading in Sydney when the Royal Exchange Building held its last trades. The Royal Exchange Building was pulled down for 56 Pitt Street, a 28 level office tower which kept the name of the original building. However, the wool exchange did not return, despite the developers as a condition of approval for the tower, had to provide space for an exchange.

 

Source: Anon. 1964. "Doors Close on 100 Years' Trading". The Daily Telegraph, July 10:11.

The office tower was completed in 1966.

Watch this space...

It is interesting to note that the building is currently undergoing an exterior refurbishment despite plans to construct Australia's tallest office tower rising 305 metres tall to roof level. 

It would be the:

• Third tallest skyscraper in Australia. The tallest skyscrapers are Q1 on the Gold Coast (322 metres/78 storeys) and Australia 108 in Melbourne (317 metres/100 stories).
• Second tallest skyscraper to roof height in Australia. Australia 108 in Melbourne as mentioned above is 317 metres tall. 
• First skyscraper in Sydney to be at least 1000 feet tall.

Dexus is set to develop the tower and at this stage with a projected completion date of 2028.

Property Advert of the Week: 21 Harrison Street, Cremorne (1966)

Below is a newspaper advertisement promoting "Twenty-One" at 21 Harrison Street, Cremorne dating from 1966. It was advertised as being located in Neutral Bay given that its location is two blocks from the main shopping strip on Miltary Road. 

Note: Following the introduction of decimal currency in 1966, advertising goods and services in pounds, shillings and pence was permitted for two years following its introduction. 

As 

Source: Anon. 1966. "'Twenty-One' 21 Harrison Street, Neutral Bay" (Advertisement). The Sun, October 7: 46. 

2000: What to do with Sydney's vacant construction sites

In our Olympic year (2000), Sydney had to be looking its best i.e. tidy and looking nice and appealing to our global visitors. 

There was one problem that faced Sydney Lord Mayor Frank Sartor and Sydney City Council and it was impossible - reactivating empty construction sites.

A decade earlier saw Australia in economic recession. The property market was amongst the biggest victims as shown in the empty construction sites that remained in the city. Some construction sites such as 2 Park Street (Citi Tower) and Angel Place had developments completed in time or were close to completion.

World Square was around 75% undeveloped with Hordern Towers occupying a quarter of the site at the corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets. The current sites of Ivy at Wynyard, Frasier Suites (George, Bathurst and Kent Streets), Emporio Tower (Sussex, Liverpool and Day Streets) were empty.

 

Source: Morris, L. 2000. "Sartor threatens whole lot of trouble". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 12: 9.

The site of Frasier Suites (former Regent Theatre) became home to temporary shops. Other sites simply received new hoardings. Meriton had just commenced its construction of World Tower at the corner of Liverpool and George Streets and was trying to complete as much as it could before September.

Source: Jamal, N. 2000. "New event in store for holes in the ground: Olympic aesthetics". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 4: 3. 

Source: Skelsey, M. 2000. "Dressing up city holes for Games". The Daily Telegraph, July 3: 13.

Property Advert of the Week: Homeworld II (1992)

I have previously shared newspaper advertisements for Homeworld II at Prospect from 1991 and 1993 along with a TV advertisement.  This advertisement for Homeward II was published in 1992.

Homeward no longer uses numbers for each new centre, but rather has opened villages in various suburbs across the Sydney metropolitan area, Central Coast and Hunter regions. One has opened recently at Box Hill, but also at Leppington, Marsden Park, Warnervale (Central Coast) and Thornton (Newcastle).

Source: HomeWorld II. 1992. "Now 88 homes under one roof." (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph Mirror, November 28: 8.

SYDNEY SHOPPING CENTRES: Opening of Macquarie Centre (1981)

 

Source: Macquarie Centre. 1981. "Macquarie Centre Now Open" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, November 17: 15. 

On Wednesday (17 November), Macquarie Centre will celebrate forty years of trading. After a decade of planning and two years of construction, the centre was opened by NSW Premier Neville Wran on 17 November 1981.

Last week, I focused on Grace Bros' plans for the centre and its attempt to seek approval to build their centre. This week, as promised, I would share promotional content from various newspapers.

Key Facts at opening

• Approximately 145 retailers
• 3750 car parking spaces
• Grace Bros, Woolworths and BigW were the major tenants
• The first ice-rink to operate in a shopping centre in Australia and can be covered to accommodate other uses such as tennis and ballet. 

The Sun featured a centre directory including maps to aid shoppers navigating the complex.

 

The Sydney Morning Herald (November 17, 1981) published this sectional view to show how it stepped up.

           

Source. Anon. 1981. “Macquarie Centre Sectional View: Looking West. Image. The Sydney Morning Herald, November 17: 13.

Below is a Grace Bros advertisement to promote their new store.

 

Source: Grace Bros. 1981. “Grace Bros at Macquarie: Opens Today - Styled For The Year “2001”” (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, November 17: 16-17. 

Below are some selected features from the newspaper supplements.

The Daily Mirror (16 November 1981)

The Sun (16 November 1981)

The Sydney Morning Herald (17 November 1981)

 

 

The centre forty years later

COVID-19 restrictions in recent months have made it difficult for any Sydneysider to travel around our great city and hopefully in 2022, can do a follow up post on the centre today by visiting the centre in person. I have not visited the centre since 2017 when I went there for lunch.  Photography of the centre will pose a challenge, especially internal shots.