Mindful of the dangerous fire conditions facing our region and almost the entire country, Kiama Council considered taking the same decision as other councils and calling off the New Year’s Eve fireworks this year.

Instead, it has decided to proceed and use the occasion as a fundraising opportunity for the local Rural Fire Service.

“Given that we’d have to pay for it anyway if we pulled out, we thought it was a good opportunity to get 15,000 people to donate a few dollars each,” says Mayor Mark Honey.

The Kiama New Year’s Eve celebrations have long been the largest between Sydney and Melbourne, and attract a crowd of that size each year.

This year’s fireworks will again be followed by a laser light show, and be accompanied by music played on Wave FM.

There will be live music in Hindmarsh Park from 4pm until half an hour before the 9pm fireworks, roving entertainers and the traditional carnival rides on the point.

This year, the Eat Street precinct will be on Terralong Street, between Manning Street and the railway bridge, giving a glimpse of the summer streets concept raised in the Town Centre Study.

In a new initiative, the Kiama & District Business Chamber will be hosting family activities in Hindmarsh Park on New Year’s Day.