Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi attack

The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge as thousands gathered to watch the annual fireworks.

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The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as thousands of heavily armed police officers patrolled the streets - a rare and stark sight in Australia - as part of heightened security measures.

New South Wales (NSW) Police said more than 2,500 officers were on duty across the city, and some officers were authorised to carry high-grade weapons.

The attack on 14 December targeted Australia's Jewish community and killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival.

An image of a menorah was projected onto the Sydney Harbour BridgeCrowds turned on their mobile phone flashlights as they observed the minute's silenceFollow live coverage from New Year's celebrations around the worldThe Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up by a white light to symbolise peace, and a Jewish menorah was projected on to the pylons of the bridge to show solidarity with the Jewish community.