"We have made the difficult decision to postpone the light display around Wollongong Harbour on New Year's Eve following today's news that there is a reported COVID-19 case in Wollongong,'' Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

"While this light show was not an event, as such, we have postponed it as a precaution. Throughout this year we have focused on putting the wellbeing of our community first. This decision is council continuing our cautious and proactive approach.''

Cr Bradbery encouraged community members to stay on top of the latest advice from NSW Health and the NSW government.

"We need to remain vigilant in our approach to COVID-19,'' he said.

"It's early days in terms of information about the Wollongong case and I ask everyone to stay up-to-date and be aware of updates from NSW Health and to do the right thing in terms of following the latest advice and sticking to the social distancing guidelines. And, if you show any COVID-19 symptoms please get tested immediately.''

Read more: NSW Health explains why Wollongong still has COVID-19 restrictions

The two-hour lighting display was scheduled to shine upon Belmore Basin and Flagstaff Hill lighthouses with some additional lighting effects on the Southern Gateway Centre at Bulli Tops from 8.30pm to 10.30pm on Thursday.

However, the message last week from Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery was to "stay at home with family and friends" - though Wollongong residents will be limited to just 10 visitors (including kids) at their homes.

If you're living in Shellharbour or Kiama (or anywhere else in regional NSW) then house parties can legally be all the rage as a maximum of 50 visitors (including children) are allowed at a home, though NSW Health recommends no more than 30 visitors if the residence does not have any outdoor space.

You can also only have 50 people or less at holiday homes or short-term rentals in regional NSW - meaning, anywhere outside of Wollongong, Central Coast or Greater Sydney.

The usual bell ringing at Nan Tien Temple on New Years Eve (which aims at bringing good luck) has been cancelled, while parties at hospitality venues around the region are more scarce than previous years.

Read more: Illawarra police warn NYE revellers 'stay safe' or expect a knock at the door

Yours and Owls on Monday postponed their planned event at the North Gong Hotel which featured musicians Young Franco, Kwame and Nine Las Vegas.

"To say we are gutted is a massive understatement," organisers posted on social media.

"2021 will be for us, we will take back our stages and when we do, we'll be making sure it's done with nothing but positivity and power."

Tickets for that event can be refunded within the next two weeks, or used for a new event of which a date is yet to be set.

Read more: New history app Yesterday Stories maps Wollongong's history

The Shellharbour Club is going ahead with their free County Fair-themed event for families - with farm animals, ride-on ponies, mechanical bull and airbrush tattoos from 6pm to midnight.

Pepe's On The Beach at the Novotel Wollongong was still selling tickets (as of Tuesday) to their Amazonia event, while their Adrift pool party had sold out.

Some of the other venues hosting special events to ring in the new year include: Headlands Hotel Austinmer, Penny Whistlers and Diggies in Kiama, The Illawarra Hotel in Wollongong, Kiama Leagues Club and Towradgi Beach Hotel.