Controversy over the date aside, the region will come together on Friday to celebrate Australia Day.
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Celebrations will be held right across the Illawarra with major events planned for Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
Free family celebrations are planed for those three centres with night time fireworks planned for both Wollongong and Shellharbour.
With the weather looking glorious across the week, it looks as though the region will be able to celebrate Australia Day 2018 in typical Australian fashion – boardies and thongs.
On Thursday, the Illawarra's own teenage scientist Macinley Butson will represent the region and the state at the Australian of the Year awards in Canberra.
Macinley, a scientist and inventor who devised a 'Smart Armour” shield for breast cancer patients, won the NSW Young Australian of the Year.
The state award recipients will be celebrated and the national category winners named at a special function and concert to be held and televised nationally in Canberra on Thursday night.
A new addition to the Australia Day calendar for Wollongong is set to be a doggone hit.
The four-legged citizens of Wollongong will be front and centre for Australia Day with the inaugural “Ozzy Doggy Show”.
In the new event at the day-long national celebration, participants will vie to be the best in categories including Wollongong’s “Top Dog”, the best-dressed owner and dog pairing, best trick, the most outrageous or creative owner and/or dog, and the best dog aged under six months.
There will also be a people’s choice award for the most-loved dog from all five categories.
Most of the festivities will take place around Wollongong Harbour and Lang Park, with more than 45,000 people expected to attend.
Shellharbour’s festivities will centre around Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra, starting with the traditional breakfast and supporting activities between 7 am- 1 pm.
Activities include a thong-throwing competition, sand modelling, stalls and free children’s activities.
There is plenty of reason to get out and celebrate Australia Day across the region.
Enjoy the festivities, but most importantly, stay safe.
