COVID cases are on the rise, but New Year's Eve celebrations are set to go ahead in the Illawarra, with some restrictions in place.
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Wollongong City Council confirmed they are moving forward with preparations for their New Year's Eve fireworks, which have not been held for the past two years due to bushfires and COVID-19.
A spokesperson encouraged those keen to go to check the council's website and social media pages regularly in the lead-up.
"We continue to monitor local COVID case numbers closely as well as advice from NSW Health, the NSW State Government and the Federal Government," they said.
"For New Year's Eve 2021 we have planned a significantly scaled-down activity at Belmore Basin with a nine-minute fireworks display and a projection of images onto the lighthouse.
"[The] fireworks can be fired higher into the sky and seen from further away - meaning families and friends do not need to congregate around the harbour to see them.
"We will not be offering food, rides, entertainment or any other activities this year. Should the fireworks be postponed, we will provide an update through the City of Wollongong Facebook page and on Wollongong City Council's website."
Kiama Council cancelled their New Year's Eve celebration in September due to concerns about COVID uncertainty
Shellharbour does not hold a New Year's celebration.
Hotel Illawarra is hosting an open-air block party on Market Street. The event is mostly outdoors, including outdoor toilets, and will be spaced and ticketed according to COVID-19 regulations.
The Shellharbour Club will provide free live entertainment in their lounge from 6pm to 1am, and broadcast the countdown.
Wests Illawarra Leagues Club is providing free live entertainment on the night to fully-vaccinated patrons.
Novotel North Beach will host a party with FABBA performing, as well as a separate pool party. Both events are ticketed. Pepes is also having a party, and tickets are not required. All three events will be capped at one person per two square metres.
Uncle Boks is hosting two evening seating for New Year's, with unlimited drinks and tapas, at 6-8pm then 8.30- 10.30pm
Bookings via their website are essential. Sign in, sanitiser, masks and social distancing will be maintained.
Five Islands Hotel will provide champagne for tables of four and also offer a lobster special. The 9pm fireworks will be shown on TV. Online bookings, a mask and QR sign ins are required.
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