Kiama's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks are officially back, with businesses and the community helping Kiama Municipal Council reach the $100,000 funding target needed to bring the Sky Show back this year.
The milestone means Kiama will once again welcome the new year with fireworks over the harbour on 31 December, following a pause on the 2025 event due to financial constraints.
Council committed $20,000 towards the 2026 celebrations and called on businesses and organisations to partner with the community to help bring the much-loved event back. They responded, with sponsorship and support taking the campaign across its $100,000 target.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said reaching the target was a fantastic example of what could be achieved when Council, businesses and the community worked together.
"This is the announcement I think a lot of people in our community have been waiting for - the fireworks are back," Mayor McDonald said.
"We knew how much New Year's Eve at Kiama Harbour meant to our community, but bringing it back required a different approach.
"Businesses were asked to come on the journey with Council and the response has been outstanding.
"This has been a genuine partnership. Council couldn't do it alone, and the support from businesses within Kiama and beyond our municipality has made the return of the Sky Show possible.
"To every business and organisation that backed the campaign - thank you. You've helped bring the bang back to Kiama and I can't wait to see our community together at the harbour on New Year's Eve."
Council's Tourism & Economic Advisory Committee, chaired by Councillor Matt Brown, has helped drive the partnership approach behind the return of the event.
"Thanks to the many local businesses and individuals who have made sure we have New Year's Eve fireworks in Kiama," Cr Brown said. "This is an important local cultural tradition that is being maintained by so many generous donors.
"Locals and visitors look forward to this community event every year. In fact, it is the biggest community event in our calendar … by a long shot."
Kiama Liquor Accord ($5000), Kiama Accounting ($2500) and HSE Global ($2000) are the latest businesses who have committed to sponsorships, which has taken the fundraising total past the $100,000 mark.
Major contributions include $19,000 from Traders in Purple and $10,000 each from Kiama Business Network and Cedar on Collins.
South Break Media, The Sebel Kiama, One Fitness 24/7, Jamberoo Action Park and McMahon's Transport have each contributed $5000, while Saltwater Kiama, Elite Energy and an anonymous donor have contributed $2000 each with Tiny Tins pouring in $1000.
All sponsorships are managed in accordance with Council policies and relevant probity requirements.
