FED:Cabbie finally get his big bang moment

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2010
FED:Cabbie finally get his big bang moment

By Tom Morgan

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - For 12 long years, he has tried - and failed - to watch the fireworks.

But this year there was no stopping taxi driver George Stamp from enjoying his beer
on the steps of the Opera House and taking his son and daughter to the best New Year's
display on the planet.

Ill health and his job have dashed his dream to watch the show in person since he moved
to the city from Bradford, England, in 1998.

But this year the 48-year-old sacrificed a bumper payday ferrying revellers around
the city to enjoy what he believes was "Sydney's best show yet".

Thousands lining the banks around the Opera House seemed to agree after the red and
white waterfall prompted a roar of cheers which reverberated around Circular Quay.

"I'm pretty much the only taxi driver not working tonight but I don't give a damn on
missing out on all that cash, this night is unmissable, one of the reasons I wanted to
live in this city," he said.

"This has definitely been the best night so far, that red and white waterfall was our highlight.

"I don't know if Australia realises how much the rest of the world watches everything
unfold here.

"I have been promising Jack (11) and Rose (8) for years that we would come. And at
last we're here."

The 13,000 strong Opera House crowd - many of whom who had waited up to 12 hours -
were left awestruck as the fireworks burst into life.

Cinthya Romo, a 32-year-old Sydney-based interpreter from Chile, summed them up in
two words: "Stunning, beautiful".

"I have come here on my own and waited for ten hours. It looks like it will be completely
worth it," she said.

"Everyone is so friendly. What a special night. I'm so glad they have started with
such amazing colours."

Ross Bagnato, a 35-year-old sales boss from Melbourne, had said he was falling asleep
after finding his spot at 10am.

"Those fireworks have woken me right up though," he said. "I'm so glad they aren't
disappointing after such a long wait."

He had been travelling with his wife by road since December 27 and it was "all for this moment".

Radiographer Mary Lloyd, from Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, in England, said she had
secured her front row seat by luck.

"What an amazing view, so glad they've started. Definitely as impressive as hoped."

As a big smiley face appeared on the bridge, Mrs Lloyd said: "I'm smiling right back.

It's better than I expected and this is just the matinee."

AAP tcm/tr/de

KEYWORD: EVE SYDNEY REACTION (PIX AVAILABLE)

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