The cancellation of Kiama’s fireworks is said to have impacted businesses and the liveliness of the town. Photo: Kiama Municipal Council.
A petition to bring back the Kiama New Year’s Eve fireworks has gathered hundreds of signatures in its first few days, with the omission of the display, along with a cancellation at Wollongong, leaving limited opportunities for Illawarra families to celebrate.
The dust has barely settled on 2025, but a Kiama councillor is already calling for a commitment for Kiama’s fireworks display to return, after the town saw quiet streets and empty businesses on 31 December.
Councillor Yasmin Tatrai launched a petition to harness the community’s support as part of a bid to not only give certainty for an NYE 2026 display, but also commit to engaging with the community on suitable locations, timing and accessibility as well as allocating funding and resources early or exploring a ticketing model.
“This past year, the New Year’s Eve fireworks were cancelled, leaving families, visitors, local businesses, and community groups disappointed,” Cr Tatrai wrote on the petition.
“Fireworks are more than just a display – they create shared experiences, boost local tourism, support small businesses, and provide a safe, family-friendly way for people to celebrate together.
“I am calling on decision-makers to commit now to reinstating New Year’s Eve fireworks for 2026, with appropriate planning to address safety, environmental considerations, and community concerns.”
Cr Tatrai posted photos of Kiama’s main streets and businesses deserted, and said it was a direct result of not holding the fireworks.
“New Year’s Eve fireworks are not just a celebration – they are a proven economic driver,” she wrote.
“Their absence sends a clear message to visitors that our town is no longer a destination on one of the most important nights of the year.
“By choosing not to host fireworks, council has reduced tourism, weakened local business confidence, and removed a key community event without providing an effective alternative.”
One business owner commented that they did only 25 per cent of their usual new year’s trade.
“Very disappointing as we are all feeling the pinch of rising costs and we endeavour to make our product affordable,” they said.
“A night like NYE would have helped get people come to the town for a holiday. Feedback from accommodations is that they are not fully booked like previous years.”
Others were concerned about the lack of options to entertain young people safely.
“Families were left with teenagers wanting to do something, anything!” they wrote.
“It was hard for us parents to ensure kids were safe with all of the illegal fireworks going off.”
Kiama residents were not the only ones left in the lurch with Wollongong City Council (WCC) announcing the cancellation of its 9 pm fireworks just hours before the event, due to dangerous swells.
“These decisions are not taken lightly and we understand that this will be deeply disappointing for our community,” a WCC spokesperson said at the time.
“However, council’s top priority will always be public safety and this could not be guaranteed in the circumstances that arose.”
The news was shared hundreds of times on social media with posts bombarded with comments and mixed reactions, with many outraged at the lack of planning ahead for potential changes and others relieved at the reduced impact on their pets and noise.
But those disappointed that they missed out on fireworks at Wollongong Harbour won’t have to wait long, with another display planned in just a few weeks on Australia Day.
As for the next New Year’s Eve, Wollongong and Kiama will no longer be the only options for sky shows, with Shellharbour set to host an eco-friendly drone light show as an alternative tourism attraction to ring in 2027.
To read or sign Cr Tatrai’s petition for Kiama fireworks visit the Change.org page.
