Kylie Minogue kicks off New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney

Australian pop star Kylie Minogue was the guest of honour at the Lord Mayor of Sydney's special picnic on Monday ahead of the city's annual New Year's Eve celebrations she has helped to plan.

The Spinning Around hitmaker is the official New Year's Eve ambassador and has chosen the theme and colour scheme for the £4.3 million event.

On Monday, she headed to Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore's special luncheon, which was attended by special needs children and disadvantaged youngsters, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Minogue posted a picture of herself at the event on Twitter.com and wrote, "Backstage at the Lord Mayor's Picnic!!"