The area's emergency services where impressed with the overall good behaviour of the New Year's Eve revellers.

A little further from home and the message was the same.

NSW Police have praised the vast majority of revellers who celebrated New Year’s Eve safely across Sydney.

Operation Paramount saw the deployment of more than 3000 police officers across the CBD, Sydney Harbour, beachside locations, major Metropolitan centres and the public transport network.

A total of 97 people were charged during the operation, in relation to offences including drug supply and possession, assault, affray, assault police, breach of bail, offensive behaviour and malicious damage.

Major Events and Incident Group Commander, and commander of Operation Paramount, Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke said despite the arrests, most people celebrated responsibly.

“Around 1.6million people celebrated New Year’s Eve in public areas across Sydney tonight and the overwhelming majority enjoyed the festivities without incident,” Assistant Commissioner Clarke said.

“Unfortunately, there are a small group whose behaviour gained police attention and led to criminal charges. It’s not the best way to start 2013.”

Significant incidents during the evening include:

* Just after 6.30pm, a Traffic and Highway Patrol officer suffered a severe laceration to his thumb after a motor bike fell on his hand as he attempted to stop the rider from driving off. The police officer was taken to hospital for treatment.

The 18-year-old male rider was later charged with reckless driving, unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured vehicle, not wearing a helmet, negligent driving and breach of bail. He has been refused bail and is due to appear in Parramatta Bail Court later today (Tuesday 1 January 2013).

* About 8.45pm, police from Flemington Local Area Command noticed fireworks being let off on a nearby property. Police attended a Bankstown address and seized a quantity of fireworks. A 32-year-old man was issued an infringement for handle explosives without a license.

* About 9.40pm, two 22-year-old men were arrested at Woolloomooloo by Kings Cross Police after being detected pointing a laser light at PolAir.

They were later charged with threatening the safety of an aircraft and using a prohibited weapon. Both men were granted strict conditional bail and are due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 21 January 2013.

* 29 people were arrested during a drug-dog operation at Bondi Junction Railway Station.

More than 440 people were treated by St John’s Ambulance volunteers and 370 people requested assistance from Ambulance Paramedics with a range of injuries, including heat stroke, intoxication, sprains and broken bones.

This year, a number of specialist police commands provided critical assistance across Sydney, including the new Police Transport Command who ensured the safety of thousands of people who travelled to and from events on the public transport network.

Marine Area Command provided a safe and secure environment for more than 3000 vessels watching the fireworks on the water.

Assistant Commissioner Clarke thanked the crowds for their continued good behaviour as they left the CBD and harbour areas.

“While there have been a few idiots trying to spoil the end of the evening for others, it is good to see most revellers celebrated within their limits, looked out for their mates and are heading home in good spirits.

“Once again, Sydney has set the standard for the rest of the world, not just with our impressive fireworks display, also our ability to celebrate safely,” Assistant Commissioner Clarke said.

Read in tomorrow's Port News how police and paramedics coped with one of the biggest nights of the year.