New Years Eve 25 Years Ago: 2000 (Centenary of Federation Fireworks)

 

Wednesday is New Year's Eve, and as the norm at this time of the year, I look back at how Sydney welcomed the new year 25 years ago.

The year of focus is 2000.

Fireworks

The launch points for the fireworks are shown below. For 2025, they have stuck to the "traditional" launch points, but with added launch sites - Off Bradfield Park, Kirribilli, Off Garden Island, a second launch site to the west of Goat Island, and a launch site to the west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to complement the barge located off Kirribilli and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The duration of the display was reduced from 25 minutes to welcome in 2000 to 16 minutes. It would settle at 12 minutes, which is expected to be the approximate length of this year's display.

Sourced from: The Daily Telegraph. 2000. "New Years Eve - Official Guide". The Daily Telegraph, December 27: 48-49.

The Bridge Effect for 2001 was an eight-pointed Commonwealth Star with each point representing either a state or territory, with a Rainbow Serpent placed above it.

Source: Westwood, S. "Serpent a star in bridge's New Year test run". The Daily Telegraph, December 22: 3. 

Transport

Revellers were encouraged to travel by public transport to both New Year's Eve and the Centenary of Federation events. Discounted rail and bus tickets with unlimited rail were available and were valid on the day of travel until 4am the next day, either on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. For $12, a combined rail/bus ticket was available, allowing for unlimited travel on Sydney Buses as well. The tickets were commemorative, as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations. 

Source: Sofios, S. 2000. "New Year party crush". The Daily Telegraph, December 23: 15.

Source: NSW Department of Transport. 2000. "Plan it right, for party time" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 22: 34. 

Unfortunately, for New Year's Eve 2025, the regular daily fare cap for public transport in Sydney will be the standard $19.30, as it is not a public holiday. If travelling during regular peak periods on the trains, e.g. 3pm-7pm, you will also pay peak-hour fares as if it were a typical day. If New Year's Eve fell on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday this year, the cap would be $9.65.

Newspaper Coverage

At the top of the entry is the front page of The Daily Telegraph dated January 1, 2001.

Below is the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald from January 1, 2001.

Two general features from The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald from January 1, 2001.

Source: Chesterton. R. 2001. "Twice the fun for New Year party's double celebration". The Daily Telegraph, January 1: 2.

Source: Stevenson, A. 2001. "Boom time in a city that never sleeps". The Sydney Morning Herald, January 1: 2.

Another highlight of the evening was the Lord Mayor's Party held at the Sydney Opera House hosted by Lord Mayor Frank Sartor.

Source: Chesterton, R. 2001. "Style, panache and fizz at Frank's Sydney soiree". The Daily Telegraph, January 1: 6. 

Parramatta Stadium played host to a concert that was televised on Channel Ten featuring Vanessa Amorosi, Nathan Cavaleri, Human Nature, S2S and Madison Avenue

Below is the fireworks as broadcast on the Nine Network. Video uploaded to Youtube by "SydneyCelebrates".  

Centenary of Federation  - January 1

New Year's Day saw three major events to mark the Centenary of Federation on January 1, 1901. 

State and Federal Leaders, along with Governor General Sir William Deane, gathered at Centennial Park to reenact the inauguration of the Federation of Australia on January 1, 1901. This was held in the Federation Pavilion (rebuilt in 1988).

As many as 500,000 Sydneysiders gathered to watch the Journey of a Nation parade, which ran down Macquarie Street, College Street and Oxford Street and down Anzac Parade to Moore Park.

In the evening, a concert was held at Centennial Park.

Below is a front page from The Sydney Morning Herald from January 2, 2001.

   

Finally, I'd like to wish you all a very safe and Happy New Year, and may 2026 be a year of success, prosperity and good health. 

Christmas Snapshot: 2000

Source: Lamba, B. & Sofios, S. (2000). "'Tis the season to serve up goodwill". The Daily Telegraph, December 26: 14-15. 

Christmas Day is on Thursday, and it is appropriate that this week I post the annual Christmas Snapshot, looking at how Sydney marked Christmas 25 years ago.

The year of focus is 2000.

So did Sydneysiders mark it?

Carols in the Domain - December 16

Carols in the Domain was held on Saturday, December 16, attracting 100,000 people into The Domain. 

Source: Sorenson, T. 2000. "Record crowd flocks to carols". The Sunday Telegraph, December 17: 29.

The lead-up to December 25

The Sunday Telegraph on December 24 2000 (Below) did a two-page spread on the lead-up to Christmas. For those leaving Sydney to visit family for Christmas or spend the summer holidays away from home, some encountered difficulties, whether on the road or in the air. 

Several Ansett Boeing 767s were grounded over the Christmas period, leading to flight cancellations. This was because they had not been subject to compulsory maintenance inspections. The grounded 767s resumed operations on Boxing Day, in time for the post-Christmas Rush.

For the airline itself, it would be its final Christmas, as it entered administration in September 2001 and ceased operations in March 2022.

Late-night shopping in the lead-up to Christmas is a tradition, though it is not as strong in 2025 as it was a quarter of a century ago. Online retailing was in its early stages, but our retailers had yet to embrace it, and the technology had not advanced enough for easy online ordering. 

To buy gifts, you had to buy them in person. It meant braving the crowds, fighting for a spot in full carparks and finding time to shop alongside other day-to-day aspects of life, such as work.  Late-night Christmas shopping meant there was no need to rush after a long day at the office.  

These days, it's possible to order online from a computer, tablet, or phone at any time, from any location. Black Friday sales have taken off in recent years, meaning gifts can be sought at reasonable prices a month out from Christmas. Want a bargain back in 2000? That had to wait until Boxing Day. 

Some still love the thrill of late-night shopping, and even some in Generation Z embrace it. One student at school told me in the lead-up to Christmas this year that they love doing it themselves. 

Source: Murray, K. & Grant, P. 2000. "Late closing for final rush". The Daily Telegraph, December 20: 24. 

Christmas Day - December 25

The Daily Telegraph feature on December 26, 2000, focused on the Churches and the lunches they put on for the poor and disadvantaged, including the Exodus Foundation (Ashfield), Matthew Talbot Hostel (Woolloomooloo), Wayside Chapel (Kings Cross) and the Salvation Army at Redfern. The Matthew Talbot Hostel recorded a forty per cent increase in volunteers, aided by the volunteer spirit triggered by the Sydney Olympics three months earlier. 

An estimated 4000 people were reported to have attended midnight mass at St Mary's Cathedral, and standing room only for its 10:30 am mass on Christmas morning.

Bondi Beach

According to The Daily Telegraph, backpackers and tourists accounted for the 25,000 who chose to spend their day at the beach. A party zone was explicitly created for those who wanted to celebrate the day. 3000 gathered at Coogee. 

A quarter of a century later, it now faces competition from Bronte Beach, which has gained widespread appeal amongst backpackers. However, Bronte, which is smaller, struggles to cope with the 10,000 who attend and has raised concerns, particularly about garbage.

Back at Bondi in 2000, garbage left behind by revellers was also a problem, and Waverley council was very quick to point fingers - British Backpackers

Source: Smith, R. 2000. "Filthy Poms". The Sunday Telegraph, December 31: 7. 

Christmas Lights

Adorning your home with lights at Christmas has become a standard way of celebrating in Sydney's suburbs, and a quarter of a century ago, the competition for the best-lit street in Sydney was taking off. The late 1990s would mark the genesis of such competition, given that last year's snapshot (1999) mentioned Bonnet Bay and its Christmas Lights. Locals would claim that their tradition began in the mid-1970s, as the suburb was new, developed from the late 1960s onward. 

The Daily Telegraph had several features on Christmas Lights in streets in Sydney, but will post one below focusing on Stutz Place, Ingleburn. Campbelltown Council was running a local competition to determine the street with the best Christmas lights. 

Source: Saleh, L. 2000. "Silent night, holy light". The Daily Telegraph, December 11: 9. 

A Final Word

As this Christmas approaches, many Sydneysiders will be marking the season while also carrying grief following the tragic events at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 15. The loss of life, the injuries suffered, and the trauma experienced by those who witnessed what occurred have left a profound and lasting impact on families, first responders, and the wider community. 

This look back at Christmas 2000 is written with an awareness that places central to Sydney’s summer traditions can hold both joy and sorrow across time. Yet in the days that followed the events at Bondi, the way people have supported one another through care, compassion, restraint, and solidarity reflects values long associated with Christmas itself. 

In that sense, light has not been overcome by darkness, even as many continue to grieve. With that in mind, 

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, extending my thoughts to those who are mourning, recovering, or carrying the weight of what they saw, and to everyone seeking peace and reassurance in a difficult season.

Stay safe, everyone.

Property Advert of the Week: 73 Milton Street, Ashfield (1970)

Our last Property Advert of the Week entry for 2025 sends us back to 1970, when apartments were on offer at 73 Milton Street, Ashfield, from $13 950, and the complex contained just nine units. 

 

Source: Rightway Real Estate. 1970. "Ashfield - 73 Milton Street" (Advertisement). The Sun, January 23: 60.

According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, this would equate to paying around $198 000 in today's money. The three-bedroom apartments, which started from $16,300, would be equivalent to spending around $231,000 today.

Property Advert of the Week returns on Saturday February 7.

1987: No New Years' Eve Fireworks

Source: Aubin, T. 1987. "Why the New Year won't begin with a bang". The Sydney Morning Herald, December 21: 1. 

In two weeks, I will do the annual lookback at how New Year's Eve in Sydney was marked 25 Years ago (New Year's Eve, 2000 is this year's focus), but let's look back at a year that there wasn't a fireworks spectacular on New Year's Eve.

That year was 1987.

But why?

The focus, according to the Festival of Sydney Organisers, was on 26 January 1988 - Australia's Bicentenary. This was confirmed on December 21, ten days before New Year's Eve. Stephen Hall (General Manager, Bicentennial Committee and Director of Special Bicentennial Events) told The Sydney Morning Herald (December 22, 1987) that the decision not to have a fireworks show was made the previous year

By then, it was too late for Harbour Cruise operators, city hotels and restaurants, some of whom expected a show and had advertised New Year's packages around it.

Was this the right decision?

No

New Year's Eve festivities in the 1980s were incorporated into the Sydney Festival and were regarded as the festival's launch. It lacks the scale of celebrations in recent years, but there was an expectation that a public event would be organised for Sydneysiders to welcome the new year. The first official New Year's Eve fireworks show on Sydney Harbour was held at midnight on New Year's Eve 1976 to welcome in 1977.

To use the Bicentennial celebrations on January 26 as an excuse was not justified. Any fireworks show was not going to overshadow what would happen just weeks later. The program on January 26 1988, was a day-long affair, with the fireworks spectacular just one of a number of major events on that program, which included the arrival of the First Fleet re-enactment ships and the Tall Ships parade. A fireworks show at midnight to welcome in 1988, would have been a good means to launch the Bicentennial Year in Sydney, even if it was only a scaled back version of what was planned for January 26.

Do we use New Year's Eve as an excuse not to have a fireworks show on Australia Day because both are just weeks apart - we don't. There is still a fireworks show for Sydneysiders on January 26. In recent years, it has shifted to Circular Quay just off the Sydney Opera House and is integrated with a concert on the Sydney Opera House forecourt and the Sydney Harbour Bridge is lit up. It is even relegated the Darling Harbour Fireworks Show, which has been the traditional Australia Day fireworks show for Sydneysiders, to the side

It also meant that Melbourne could claim bragging rights to the biggest New Year's Eve party in Australia that year as they organised a midnight fireworks show to launch the Bicentennial Year, which also coincided with celebrating the arrival of the Tall Ships at Port Melbourne. The event was televised on Channel Seven and Prime Minister Bob Hawke led the countdown to midnight

How did Sydneysiders welcome in 1988?

Extra public transport services were provided to give Sydneysiders a chance to travel to the city to welcome in the New Year. An estimated 150,000 people gathered at The Rocks, while 20,000 were reported to have gathered at Kings Cross. No fireworks meant it was quieter than past years according to The Rocks police. 

Below is a two page spread from The Daily Mirror (January 1, 1988)

Police ensured that they had a tough presence. Even before the sun set the first arrest had already been made.

Source: Brown, M. "Handcuffs at 7.15 started a quiet New Year's Eve". The Sydney Morning Herald, January 1: 2.

And believe it or not, organisers decided not to do one to welcome 1989. The reason given by the organisers of the Sydney Festival of fears of violence or "rowdy behaviour"

Another lost opportunity as well - It could have closed off the Bicentennial Year with a "bang".

New Years Eve 1989 marked the return of New Years Eve fireworks to Sydney with the main show (promoted as Skyshow) at a friendlier time of 9pm. This would encourage families to attend and to enable people to celebrate either at home or elsewhere at midnight.  

Entry of Interest

New Years Eve 25 Years Ago:1989

 

Property Advert of the Week: AVJennings Renaissance Collection (1996)

Below is a 1996 newspaper advertisement promoting the AVJennings Renaissance Collection, a set of model homes offered by AVJennings.

Source: AVJennings. 1996. "AVJennings Renaissance Collection" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, December 28: 16. 

The homes could be inspected in Sydney, Wollongong, Central Coast and Hunter Valley. Within greater Sydney, they were located at Kellyville, Hoxton Park, Cecil Hills & Mt Annan. 

1989: Sydney Fish Markets Redevelopment

Source: Connolly, A. 1989. "It's swish fish". The Daily Mirror, November 24: 11.

Next month, the Sydney Fish Markets will move to a new purpose-built complex built right next to its current site on Bridge Road in Pyrmont. 

The new complex will replace the complex that has traded for 36 years. It opened on November 27 1989 and cost $27 million to build. 

In addition to new trading facilities for the markets and seafood retailers, there were food retailers, restaurants and a seafood school. You could learn how to cook seafood onsite with the establishment of a seafood school.

A boardwalk ran along the waterfront, and one could moor their boat in front of the building.

Prior to the opening, The Daily Mirror secured a preview of the redeveloped markets (see above).

They also published a special supplement on November 29 1989. 

Property Advert of the Week: Chipping Norton Land Sale (1982)

Below is a newspaper advertisement from 1982, promoting the sale of 17 homesites on Epsom Road at Chipping Norton. The blocks were on sale from $37, 950. This is equivalent to paying around $164,000 in today's money (RBA Inflation Calculator)

Source: Crighton Properties Pty. Pltd's. 1982. "Land Sale Chipping Norton" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, September 17: 26. 

1992: Vacant Sydney CBD Office Space

Source: McDougall, B. 1992. "Rooms at the top". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, March 9: 10 & 11.

One of the biggest impacts of the 1990-1991 economic recession in Sydney was the increase in vacant space in city office buildings. 

In 1992, the recession had finished but was still making its presence felt. Unemployment in Australia would peak at 11.2 % of the labour force by the end of that year.

Also, building projects that were conceived during the boom years of the Australian economy during the 1980s were still under construction as developers hoped that strong economic times would continue and that businesses would lease space in office buildings in central Sydney and the suburbs. In early 1992, thre were 14 office buildings that were identified by The Daily Telegraph Mirror as under construction including Chifley Tower, Governor Phillip Tower and Governor Macquarie Tower. 

At the time, office vacancy rates in central Sydney ranged around 15%, but Chatswood was recording a vacancy rate of 30%. Around half a million square meters of office space was dormant.

There were some projects that did not go ahead e.g. 2 Park Street, Angel Place, Village Cinema Centre redevelopment. World Square was a major victim. A dispute between the developer, construction workers and unions saw the project grind to a halt in 1990 as it had raised concerns over the economic vialability of the project. Even in the early 1990s there was optimism that construction would recommence but built in stages over an extended period of time

Vacancy rates in central Sydney is currently at 13.7%, reflecting the reduced demand for office space associated with the appeal of work from home arrangements for workers which has seen a reduction in demand for office space. This is up from 5% in the period prior to COVID. 

Property Advert of the Week: Craigend, Chiswick (1969)

In 1969, two bedroom apartments in the Craigend complex at Chiswick were on sale from $14,500. This was equivalent to spending around $213 000 in todays money (RBA Inflation Calculator)

Source: Parkes Developments Pty. Ltd. 1969. "Craigend" (Advertisement). The Daily Mirror, February 7: 49.

1999: Jeff Kennett Vs Star City

The Sydney Vs Melbourne rivalry is a big part of life in both cities as each city battles to outdo the other for the prestige of bragging rights as Australia's Number One City. Following a visit to Star City Casino (now The Star) by Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett (1992-1999), Kennett decided to unleash his thoughts on Sydney's casino against that of Crown Casino in Melbourne. He also decided that it was "appropriate" to wear a Crown Casino tie on his visit.

   

Source: Penberthy, D. 1999. "Your Casino's the pits". The Daily Telegraph, July 24: 9. 

But let's fast forward to 2025. Crown has since opened in the Harbour City, opening in two phases at Barangaroo. In 2020, the hotel, retail, and dining precincts opened, with the casino opening in 2022. Initially, the casino was targeted at High Rollers, but has since welcomed all gamblers. It still remains a "tables only" casino. Even with competition with Crown, The Star still remains the preferred casino of Sydneysiders seeking to flutter a dollar or two. 

Also, was there a need to compare both casinos? Is there even a need to compare them today? Is there a need to compare Crown Sydney to Crown Melbourne? Interestingly, both Crown Melbourne and The Star Sydney have been built as part of urban renewal schemes in their respective cities. The Star was built as part of the renewal of the Pyrmont Peninsula on the former site of the Pyrmont Power Station. Crown Melbourne was built on former industrial land at Southbank in Melbourne on the shores of the Yarra River. 

It can be forgotten that both The Star and Crown Melbourne are not just casinos and resorts, but also entertainment centres. The Star has the Lyric Theatre. Crown has its own multiplex cinema, for instance, alongside shops and restaurants. 

Finally, there have been plans for expansions and redevelopment at The Star, which could have allowed it to evolve into an even better complex that could truly compete with Crown Melbourne, but these plans have been shut down by planning agencies. 

Property Advert of the Week: Bellagio, Collaroy (2002)

In 2002, apartments in Bellagio (Bellagio by the Sea) at Collaroy were on sale for $395,000. The complex today comprises of private and serviced apartments. I would have to dispute that even in 2002, it was impossible to drive to Manly in 10 minutes and reach the city in twenty minutes.

Source: Warriewood Valley Property Marketing. 2002. "Bellagio" (Advertisement). The Sunday Telegraph, September 15: 16 (homeowner liftout).

2001: When Queenscliff lost its suburb status

In 2001, residents of Queenscliff were outraged when their suburb (which had been a locality since 1984) was assigned as an urban place within Harbord, meaning that those who resided there were officially residents of Harbord.

Source: Connolly, F. 2001. "Queenscliff: beautiful one day, gone the next". The Daily Telegraph, June 18: 7.

It was formally regazetted as a suburb on July 12, 2002, by the NSW Geographical Names Board, which was welcomed by residents.

Source: Skelsey, M. 2002. "Suburb recovers its lost identity". The Daily Telegraph, July 17: 4. 

Property Advert of the Week: 'The magnificent seven' by Neeta Homes (1969)

Below is a 1969 newspaper advertisement promoting seven model homes by Neeta Homes, located at "Neeta City", just off Epping Road at Marsfield.

   

Source: Neeta Homes. 1969. 'The magnificent seven' (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, June 21: 26-27.

1987: Penrith Lakes Scheme Unveiled

In 1987, the NSW Government signed an agreement with the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (a joint venture between Boral, CSR and Pioneer) to convert quarries near Penrith into recreational land.

This also included the creation of seven man-made lakes (would eventually be 12). Early plans for the land included a mix of theme parks, sports centres, heritage sites, horse-riding trails, and water-sport precincts, including a rowing course.

Source: Nicholson, L. 1987. "$183mil lake plan to rival harbour". The Daily Telegraph, August 12: 7. 

The rowing course would evolve into the Sydney International Regatta Centre, built as part of the 2000 Olympic Games and hosting Rowing, Kayaking, and Canoeing. In addition, the Sydney Whitewater Stadium hosted the Canoe and Kayak Slalom events. In addition, the Sydney International Regatta Centre can host other sporting events such as triathlons. 

Quarrying ended in 2015, and the area continues to evolve. Penrith (Pondi) Beach was opened to the public for use during the summer months in 2023 and has rapidly gained popularity among locals and Sydneysiders alike.

Most of the space will remain as open space for public access. Plans include building the Sydney Aerospace Park and Nepean Business Park, a golf course, and a waterfront precinct known as Southbank.

Click here to find out more about the development of Penrith Lakes.

Property Advert of the Week: AVJennings Cashback Offer (2001)

Below is a 2001 newspaper advertisement by AVJennings in conjunction with Long Homes. Those who purchased a model home or a house-and-land package would receive $7000 cashback, and first-home buyers would receive an additional $7000, bringing the total to $14000. The offer was available at their new estates in Beaumont Hills (then part of Kellyville), Kellyville, Glenwood, Plumpton, Prestons and Quakers Hill. Merrivale Estate (Kellyville) would later be incorporated into Kellyville Ridge in 2007.

Source: AvJennings. 2001."$7,000 cash back for ALL home buyers" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, February 17: page unknown (Homes Liftout).

1981: Opening of Herald Square, Circular Quay

In 1981, as part of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of The Sydney Morning Herald (originally known as The Sydney Herald ), the publishers of the newspaper (John Fairfax & Sons Limited) gifted the city with a new public square in Alfred Street between George Street and Alfred Street.

Source: Glascott, J. 1981. "Five pools in a fountain ... and all yours". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 17: 3.

On April 16 1981, the square was officially opened by Lord Mayor Doug Sutherland.

The Tank Stream Fountain is the focal point of the square. It was designed by sculptor Stephen Walker and was inspired by the Tank Stream, which once ran through central Sydney but is now a stormwater pipe.

Below are a few photos of the square I took in 2025. 

Property Advert of the Week: The Savoy, Sydney CBD (1981)

Below is a 1981 newspaper advertisement for "The Savoy" apartment tower at the corner of King and Kent Street in central Sydney. It was among a number of apartment towers built in central Sydney during the 1980s

One-bedroom apartments were on offer from $126 000 which is equivalent to spending $606 000 today (RBA Inflation Calculator) 

 

Source: City Living. 1981. "The Savoy" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, August 1: 13.

1964: The Lakes (Eastlakes) Shopping Centre opening feature

From Source: Anonymous. 1964. "Modern shop centre on racetrack site". The Daily Telegraph, November 9: 21. 

In 1964, The Lakes Shopping Centre (later renamed Eastlakes Shopping Centre) opened to serve the new estate being built on the former Rosebery Racecourse and surrounding suburbs. The centre traded in its original form until July 2025, when it was demolished as part of a redevelopment that will see a new shopping centre built along with apartments above the complex. The new centre will have 80 retailers (double the number of the original centre). Its redevelopment reflects a broader trend in which older shopping centres are being demolished and rebuilt with residential buildings above, as seen at Top Ryde City and Rockdale Plaza, turning shopping centres into communities in their own right. 

But in the 1960s, it was regarded as one of the larger shopping centres in Sydney with 42 shops and parking for around 500 cars, anchored by Woolworths and Flemings. The centre was opened on November 12, 1964, and traded in its original form until July 2025. 

Below is a feature from The Daily Telegraph, published on November 9 1964, to mark its opening.

Source: Anonymous. 1964. "Modern shop centre on racetrack site". The Daily Telegraph, November 9: 21. 

The Sydney Morning Herald published its own preview feature on November 10, 1964.

Source: Anonymous. 1964. "Finishing Touches At Rosebery". The Sydney Morning Herald, November 10: 23.

Property Advert of the week: Eastlakes Home Unit Village (1964)

Below is a 1964 newspaper advertisement from Parkes Developments promoting the sale of units at Eastlakes. Parkes Developments oversaw the development of homes at Eastlakes, which was built on the former Rosebery Racecourse. 

Apartment prices for two-bedroom apartments began at £4950 ($9900), which is equivalent to approximately $170 000 today, according to the RBA Inflation Calculator. 

Source: Parkes Developments. 1964. "A 1970 home unit now! Why wait?" The Sydney Morning Herald, November 10: 23. 

1991: Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf Fires

Source: de Vine, B. 1991. "Fire licks Finger Wharf". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, August 28: 1 & 2. 

In 1991, Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf was a derelict building. In the 1970s and 1980s, its future had been debated by historians, developers, the State Government and Sydneysiders. It wasn't just whether or not the structure should be preserved for future generations, but also its use.

During the late 1980s, proposals involved converting the wharf into a mixed-use complex comprising a mixture of apartments, hotel rooms, retail and office space. However, in 1989, the NSW Government, led by Nick Greiner, made the decision to demolish the Finger Wharf to open up the space for the alongside increasing maintenance costs.

As part of efforts to prevent demolition, building unions imposed a green ban on the building and in January 1991, those who wanted the building preserved created a picket line to prevent demolition workers from accessing the site.

From Source: de Vine, B. 1991. "Fire licks Finger Wharf". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, August 28: 1 & 2. 

In 1991, the Finger Wharf was subject to three fires. One of the most notable was on August 28 1991. The quick response by firefighters, particularly the fire boat Shirley Smith, saved the wharf from being destroyed. Had fire crews arrived as little as five minutes later, the fire would have been out of control.

Source: Macey, R. 1991. "Wharf fire leaves burning questions". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 29: 2.

It was believed the fire originated in a liftwell at the number eight dock. 

The other fires occurred in April and October of that same year. Firefighters who fought the third fire on October 9, 1991, reported that the building was again minutes away from becoming totally engulfed. An arsonist is believed to have started that fire. 

 

Source: Kennedy, L. 1991. "Arsonists hit Finger Wharf for third time". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, October 10: 18.

The following year (1992), the future of the wharf would be sealed. It would not be demolished, with tenders invited to propose schemes for the redevelopment of the wharf. This would lead to the eventual redevelopment and restoration of the wharf with apartments, a hotel and a dining precinct, completed in 1999.