The COVID-19 pandemic means Australia Day will look a little different this year in the Illawarra, but there are still events for the public to enjoy on Tuesday, January 26.
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Here are the details of what is happening in your area:
Wollongong
"Instead of our usual big event at Belmore Basin, we've organised some socially distanced activities for people to enjoy throughout the day and into the evening," a Wollongong City Council spokesperson said.
From 11am, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society will conduct flyovers above the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas.
At 5pm, a helicopter towing the Australian flag will leave from Shellharbour Airport and fly along the coastline.
Later in the evening, there will be two one-hour light shows, at Nicholson Park in Woonona and Kully Bay in Warrawong, which will both begin at 9pm.
"The displays have been designed to be viewed from a distance, so we are encouraging people to watch these displays from afar," the council spokesperson said.
These displays will take place so long as there are no changes to public health orders and no cases of locally transmitted COVID-19.
A light and laser show will also take place from 9pm, around Belmore Basin in Wollongong.
The seven-minute show will repeat until 10pm.
Those who attend are urged to keep a safe distance from others, and adhere to public gathering restrictions.
Wollongong will also host its annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony.
"However you're spending Australia Day, we ask that everyone makes sure that they continue to follow the NSW Health guidelines and practice social distancing when out and about," the council spokesperson said.
"Remember to wash or sanitise your hands, stay 1.5 metres away from others and stay home if you're feeling unwell."
Shellharbour
Shellharbour City Council is launching a new mural festival on Australia Day.
The festival will see five artists painting simultaneously across different locations.
Residents are encouraged to stop by and watch the artists as they work.
David Cragg will be painting at Shellharbour City Stadium in Croom, Gus Eagleton will be found at Shellharbour Village in Addison Street, and Clare Foxton will be at work at Bendigo Bank in Griffiths Street, Oak Flats.
Meanwhile, in Warilla, residents can watch Scott Nagy and Krimsone at work at the Warilla Medical Centre in McKeon Lane, and Trait at the IMB Bank in the McKeon Lane car park.
Local flora and fauna - including the superb fairy-wren, the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, the Illawarra flame tree, and the weedy sea dragon - will be incorporated into the artworks.
Residents will also enjoy music as part of the festival, with local singer-songwriter Emma Jones playing from 10am to noon at the Oak Flats site, and DJ Munch at Warilla from 10am to 2pm.
"The artists painting on the day have developed designs with the aim to enhance connection to place, as well as create a sense of pride and joy," Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba said.
The council has partnered with Wollongong creative studio Verb Syndicate to bring the festival to life.
Thirty new citizens from 16 countries will also be officially welcomed at citizenship ceremonies.
The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society and helicopter flyovers will also take place above Shellharbour.
Kiama
Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club is hosting its annual Australia Day breakfast from 7am.
The event will include a flag-raising, a breakfast for a small cost, and novelty games, such as sand modelling, a brickies relay, and Weet-Bix eating competitions.
Kiama mayor Mark Honey, councillor Mark Way, and MP Gareth Ward will attend, while the guest speaker will be local GP Dr Tom Hilliar.
Kiama Municipal Council's annual Australia Day function will include the citizenship ceremony, the presentation of the Australia Day awards, and an address by ambassador Liz Deep-Jones, an Australian journalist and author.
Due to COVID-19, the function is by invite only, but community members can watch a live stream of the event via the council's website, as well as its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Residents of the Kiama area will also be able to enjoy the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society and helicopter flyovers.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
