Australia Day may look a little different this year, but Illawarra mayors agree with the sentiments of Premier Gladys Berejiklian that it should be recognised in some way.
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Ms Berejiklian addressed Sydney media on Monday, noting after a difficult year January 26 was a milestone not to be swept aside.
"We're feeling closer to each other than we ever have before and I think we're feeling proud of the nation we live in," she said.
"When you look at other places around the world - the angst and the difficult times that other nations are going through - I think we should be feeling prouder than ever of being Australian."
Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong councils have joined forces for a special "flyover" of vintage planes from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) across the day, with a helicopter towing the Australian flag departing Shellharbour Airport at 5pm.
This spectacle should be visible from many people's backyards in a COVID-safe manner.
Wollongong will be without the Aquathon and council-run fanfare around the harbour, but they are planning a light show at three locations.
"If we can continue on no locally acquired cased then we'll probably go ahead," Cr Bradbery said.
"Australia Day is two things - it's not only to celebrate and reflect upon our past - which is not, at times, a glorious past, with massive mistakes - but also, for me this year it's affirming our democracy."
Shellharbour has done away with their annual Breakfast By the Lake - which previously saw thousands flock to Reddall Reserve - and replaced it with four giant murals being created across the city.
"Australia Day is really important for our communities and really important for celebrating our differences and what makes us a nation," Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said.
"But I do feel as councils we have an obligation to ensure our communities are safe."
All councils will still hold citizenship ceremonies.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
SHELLHARBOUR
Large-scale public artworks will pop-up across the city.
Featuring four local artists painting simultaneously at different locations, community members will be encouraged to drop in and watch as the designs develop.
The series will also be filmed and shared on social media.
KIAMA
Mayor Mark Honey said Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club are hoping to run their usual celebrations.*
Gerringong Lions Club are planning to host a BBQ at the Gerringong Bowlo.*
WOLLONGONG
There will be no rides, food stalls, musical entertainment or cultural activities in the Harbour precinct.
A lighting display* and flyover by HARS is planned, though currently under review.
A spokeswoman said a final decision surrounding the low-key lighting displays and the HARS flyover to mark Australia Day will be made later this week.
*Check with individual organisations closer to Australia Day to ensure events are still going ahead
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