The community shark bite kits are being installed across the region. Photo: Keeli Dyson.
The Illawarra coastline is now equipped with more than a dozen community shark bite kits to ensure beachgoers have access to vital resources in the event of a shark attack.
Unpatrolled areas, popular beaches and coastal stretches where inland waterways meet the ocean are included in a rollout of shark bite kits across the region.
“Community shark bite kits contain a tourniquet, compression bandages, dressings, a thermal blanket, whistle, gloves and first aid instructions for a serious bite injury,” a spokesperson from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said.
“One hundred and fifty of these community shark bite kits are also being rolled out in 2026. Priority locations are selected in consultation with the community shark bite kits team, Surfing NSW, an inter-agency working group and local councils.
“Another 50 community shark bite kits have also been purchased to be installed at Surf Life Saving NSW emergency response beacons at high-risk, unpatrolled, or remote beaches along the NSW coastline, providing an immediate, 24/7 connection to the SLS NSW State Operations Centre during life-threatening emergencies.”
Sharky Beach at Coledale is the most northern location in the region, with no other kits registered further up the coast until Garie Beach in the Royal National Park.
Austinmer Beach also now has a kit, as well as Woonona Rock Pool and Corrimal Beach.
There is another kit at the entrance to Puckey’s Lagoon in Wollongong, one on the emergency beacon at Wollongong/Coniston beach near Wollongong Golf Course and one at Hill 60.
In Shellharbour, a kit is available on the southern side of the Windang Passage where Lake Illawarra opens into the ocean, with more located at Shellharbour South Beach near Shellharbour Reserve and the southern end of The Farm.
Kiama has kits on the southern end of Bombo Beach near Bombo Beach Reserve, at Kendall’s Beach, both the northern and southern end of Werri Beach and the northern end of Seven Mile Beach.
Locations are updated on this DPIRD Google map as more are installed, including those rolled out by the government or individually sponsored, such as those put up by clubs, including Werri Beach Boardriders Club.
The community kits by Bite Aid are an initiative by Danny Schouten, whose mate Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark while surfing at Port Macquarie in 2024 and are part of a multi-million dollar boost in shark mitigation measures being implemented by the State Government.
“Survival shouldn’t be left up to chance or luck. We know people can be saved if a tourniquet is applied quickly,” Danny said.
“I’m stoked that the NSW Government is helping give us ocean-loving Australians the resources we need to hopefully save someone’s life in the future.”
Organisations have been receiving ongoing funding to improve this area of beach safety.
“Surfing NSW receives $500,000 funding annually to provide shark mitigation support and services including shark bite trauma kits, which are supplied to their 130 boardrider clubs, 50 surf schools and high-performance coaches, and their Surfers Rescue 24/7 program provides free training available to all,” the DPIRD spokesperson said.
