Kiama Municipal Council has passed a significant milestone in its quest to bring back the New Year's Eve Sky Show celebrations and is now more than halfway towards its target of $100,000 in sponsorships.
After Council allocated $20,000 in its 2026-27 budget to stage the celebrations, several members of the business community have pledged their support to the Tourism & Economic Advisory Committee's campaign.
Kiama Business Network and Cedar on Collins each committed $10,000, while Sebel Kiama, South Break Media and One Fitness 24/7 have come on board as $5000 sponsors. Saltwater Cafe and Tiny Tins have also come to the party, sponsoring the event's entertainment and live music program.
The official tally now stands at $58,000 with $42,000 needed in the final weeks of the sponsorship campaign to ensure the fireworks display will go ahead.
"We are over the halfway mark thanks to the wonderful generosity of the business community," Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said.
Kiama's lighthouse illuminated by the New Year's Eve fireworks display. Photo: Peter Izzard Photography
"If you run a business in our LGA we'd love to partner with you so you can help bring back the night-time sparkle to our town at New Year's Eve by becoming a sponsor."
If the funding goal is not achieved, Council will deliver scaled-back New Year's Eve celebrations with music and entertainment at Hindmarsh Park and extended trading opportunities for local businesses to benefit from one of the year's biggest nights.
TEAC chair Councillor Matt Brown said many local families look forward to the celebrations and the event has traditionally brought in thousands of visitors to Kiama.
"Any other businesses out there who are considering lending a hand, we'd love to hear from you so we can bring back this iconic event to Kiama's foreshore," he said.
"The Sky Show doesn't just bring economic benefits but it unites people of all ages and walks of life in our community."
As support for the Sky Show edges closer, Council is encouraging businesses considering sponsoring to come on board sooner rather than later to help push the fundraising effort over the line.
For full details, visit https://kiama.com.au/kiama-new-years-eve.
