A day after being given the go-ahead, Wollongong City Council has announced its plans to celebrate Australia Day.
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There will be no jam-packed activities on January 26 but the council will light up the skies this Australia Day with COVID-safe laser and lights displays that are best seen from a distance.
Provided there are no changes to the NSW Public Health order and no cases of locally transmitted COVID-19, the one-hour laser light show will be on display from 9pm at two locations - Nicholson Park, Woonona, and in Kully Bay, Warrawong.
There will also be a combined seven-minute laser and light show on rotation in Belmore Basin, Wollongong from 9pm-10pm.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the main advantage for council with the light displays was that they could be seen from further away.
"We're very focused on supporting and looking after our community's wellbeing, and by offering this light display we're able to do something that people can enjoy safely from afar,'" Cr Bradbery said.
"I want to be clear - this is not something you'll want to watch close-up. You're best to be at a distance away to enjoy the full impact of the display."
Wollongong is also collaborating with Shellharbour and Kiama councils to offer a flyover of vintage planes from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) - look to the skies from 11am.
There will also be a helicopter flyover towing the Australian flag departing Shellharbour Airport at 5pm and making its way along the coastline.
"Wherever you live in Wollongong, you'll be looking up to the skies to see a number of vintage planes across the day which will no doubt bring much excitement," Cr Bradbery said.
Wollongong Council will also hold its pared back Australia Day Awards on Friday, January 22. The event is by invitation only and will see the announcement and presentation of Wollongong's Australia Day Citizen of the Year award.
"I don't think anyone would be surprised that we've made these changes to the event. However, it's important that if it can go ahead, it will. It's important we continue to recognise those in our community whose selfless actions improve our city for all."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
