FOR Marelie Swart, New Year's Eve not only marked her 17th birthday and the start of a new decade, it also ushered in what could be the biggest year of her life so far.
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"I'm looking forward to making new memories with new friends and am excited about doing the Higher School Certificate and graduating from school," Marelie said.
"My new year's resolution is to get a job."
She said it was "pretty cool" having a December 31 birthday.
"I have to wait the whole year and see all my friends turn older, but then I get fireworks!
"You end the year and get a whole new fresh beginning."
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Marelie and her friends were among thousands who descended on the foreshore to watch the city's 9pm fireworks, which went ahead despite being shelved at Maitland, Paterson and Caves Beach.
Hannah Gunton said Newcastle may investigate having a light show in future, while all agreed collecting donations for the Red Cross' bushfire appeal was a good idea.
Courtney Wright and Kristen Mihalarias, both 19, said meeting at Macquarie University, where they study law, was the highlight of their 2019.
Kristen said becoming a couple was a "long time coming".
"2020 is looking amazing - it can only get better," Courtney said.
"We'll be studying still, but P's get degrees."
Trent Erskine and Amanda Polley brought children Sam, Isaiah and Darcie "out and amongst it".
Mr Erskine said he felt for those affected by bushfires and that "everyone would have understood" if Newcastle had cancelled the fireworks.
"By doing it, it has ruffled a few feathers and caused a bit of tension - it's divided people again."
He said he didn't have resolutions - "you have to take it one day at a time" - but was pleased with what he had achieved in 2019.
He left hospitality after 28 years, moved into disability support and set up an ocean photography business.
"Once I slowed down and took time to look after my health everything else fell into place."
Jay and Jennifer Bolton brought children Koby and Charlotte to see the fireworks for the first time.
"We like to give them as many new experiences as possible, they like getting excited and we get to experience that [excitement] all over again, which is nice."
He said he hoped to give them their first trip to the snow in 2020.
Melanie Berry from Old Bar came with friends "for a bit of atmosphere".
Her son Vinny turned one in August and she took him to visit his uncle in Ireland.
"He's just started sleeping through the night so I'm looking forward to more relaxing in 2020."
New Year's Eve fell in the middle of Melburnians Kaity Egan and Rhys Elmi's holiday.
"My resolutions are less time on social media and having more white space, not saying yes to everything," she said.
"Mine is to eat less crap," he said.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
