It's 2016 In Australia And Hong Kong

HONG KONG (AP) -  It's already 2016 in many places, including Australia and Hong Kong.

In Australia, simultaneous fireworks displays erupted along Sydney's famed harbor, where people crowded onto balconies, into waterside parks and onto boats as they jockeyed for the best view, clinking glasses and whooping with joy as the first pyrotechnics exploded.

PHOTOS: 2016 New Year's Fireworks From Around The World

More than 1 million people were expected to watch the glittery display, featuring a multicolored firework "waterfall" cascading off the Harbour Bridge and effects in the shapes of butterflies, octopuses and flowers.

Australian officials, struggling to contain the threat from home-grown extremists, encouraged revelers to enjoy the evening and assured them that thousands of extra police were patrolling major cities.

"Don't change your way of life," Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle urged residents of his city. "Don't let events from around the world challenge the way that we live."

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