Both Sydneysiders and tourists have shown their generosity towards bushfire-affected Australians, raising over $2 million during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Despite widespread opposition to the celebrations, Sydney rang in the new year with a huge fireworks display.

Relive this year’s breathtaking Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks display – see the highlights 🥳! #SydNYE pic.twitter.com/QDBONlwxOo — City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 31, 2019

Many Australians considered the fireworks to be in poor taste following a horror bushfire season, which resulted in the deaths of a volunteer firefighter and a father and son from Wandella just in the last two days.

The City of Sydney partnered with the ABC to raise money for those affected by the bushfires during the New Year’s Eve televised broadcast.

They have confirmed they raised over $2 million for the Red Cross over the night.

Fundraising boxes were also scattered along the foreshore, and calls to donate to the Red Cross plastered on the Harbour Bridge.

Strong winds delayed the 9pm fireworks until 9.15pm and kept the police busy on the water, where they rescued four revellers after a boat overturned at Taylors Bay.

Overall police praised the behaviour of crowds, saying the majority of people were well-behaved and responsible.

Eight people were charged with various offences including assaulting police, resisting police, assault and offensive behaviour.

Image: Getty/Peter Parks