2025 started with a bang with Sydney’s 2025 New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebrations showcasing the city as a global hub for world-class events. From the iconic Sydney Harbour to community-focused celebrations in Penrith and Fairfield, CATO Location Services played a pivotal role in providing comprehensive event safety solutions to ensure the safety and smooth execution of four major NYE events across Sydney. CATO offer a number of specialised services tailored for the events industry, with expertise in Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), Traffic Control, and Security Management to some of Sydney’s major councils and supporting them in delivering unforgettable experiences to millions of attendees.
The Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the largest, most technologically advanced displays of fireworks, lighting, and projections in the world. It attracts over 1 million spectators along the Sydney Harbour foreshore and reaches a global audience of more than 425 million. CATO implemented state-of-the-art Meridian barriers and HVM vehicles to secure key access points on the southern and side of the bridge for clients City of Sydney Council. These measures ensured spectator safety while seamlessly integrating with the flow of traffic and pedestrian zones.
North Sydney Council entrusted CATO Location Services with comprehensive event safety solutions for NYE 2025, with a combination of Water-Filled Barriers and HVM vehicles as well as engaging us for our expertise in Traffic Control and Crowd Management of large scale events. By developing tailored traffic guidance schemes (TGS) and deploying skilled personnel, we minimised disruptions while ensuring a seamless flow of vehicles and pedestrians around Northern Sydney vantage points.
In Penrith, CATO managed Traffic Control services to facilitate a well-organised and safe event for the local community at Penrith Panthers Club.
Fairfield City Council’s NYE celebrations were supported by CATO’s dedicated security team. By implementing robust crowd management strategies and maintaining a secure environment, we enabled attendees to celebrate in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
CATO’s unmatched experience in the Sydney events industry, combined with our specialised services, ensures the highest standards of safety and efficiency. From Hostile Vehicle Mitigation to Traffic and Security management, we provide end-to-end solutions tailored to the unique demands of major events.
As Sydney celebrated the arrival of 2025, CATO’s commitment to safety and innovation once again stood out, cementing our role as a trusted partner for large-scale events. Whether managing iconic city-wide festivities or local community gatherings, CATO Location Services continues to deliver excellence in event management.
Read more about our experience managing other major Sydney events here.
Last week at Sydney’s iconic Hordern Pavilion, one of CATO Group’s most in-demand production vehicles, The Dressing Room, made a star appearance of its own. Parked backstage for the 2025 ARIA Awards, this premium dressing room trailer served as a mobile green room for Aussie and international artists like Olivia Dean.
When it comes to Crowd Protection and Temporary Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), security, mobility and speed matter. The Pitagone F-11 and F-18 barriers are redefining how leading Sydney security providers like CATO Group (previously CATO Location Services) safeguard major events, pedestrian zones and high-traffic public spaces across Sydney.
In New South Wales, events that impact local roads or traffic are classified by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) into four categories. These NSW event classifications determine the level of planning, permits, and traffic management required. Whether you are organising a major city festival, a community parade, or a local film shoot, knowing your event’s classification is essential to securing approvals and ensuring safe road use.
