Hi Miss Pam Ann,
The Sydney mayor decided to go ahead with the celebrations as they were already payed for. Fund raising was held throughout the city so all the revellers could participate.
So far the Australian public has donated $110 million and the Australian government $1 billion in aid. I'm sure they could have used the money from NYE too but it was probably allocated and paid for well before the horrible events of 26th December.
Cheers,
Iguanahead
For those who haven't seen the glitter ball here's a pic.
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/n...leven.jpg.html