Kiama Municipal Council is seeking expressions of interest from experienced operators, event organisers and creative practitioners to deliver an exciting summer activation at Old School Flat, one of the municipality's most prominent waterfront locations.
Council is looking for innovative activation concepts that are safe, well managed and community sustainable and will enhance the vibrancy of the Kiama Harbour precinct, appeal to residents and visitors of varying ages, encourage people to spend more time in Kiama and align with our coastal character.
Old School Flat offers a unique waterfront setting for temporary activations of up to 21 days (including bump-in and bump-out periods). The site can accommodate a diverse range of concepts and experiences and is supported by existing power, water and vehicle access.
A prime waterfront location adjacent to Kiama Harbour, the area of approximately 1,500m² is in walking distance to cafes, restaurants, accommodation and retail and there is high seasonal visitation during the summer holiday period as well as existing access to power and water infrastructure
Council is offering the opportunity for a preferred operator to be appointed for up to three summer seasons, subject to annual agreements and performance
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council welcomed a broad range of concepts for summer activations.
These include family entertainment and recreation such as carnivals, seasonal attractions, pop-up experiences, an outdoor cinema, festivals and cultural events, markets and creative activations, performance-based experiences and hybrid concepts that combine entertainment, culture and leisure. Traditional activations such as carnivals and circuses may be considered.
"We are particularly interested in proposals that demonstrate a strong connection to place and align with Kiama's unique coastal identity," Mayor McDonald said.
"Old School Flat has been a great location for events such as New Year's Eve in past years and we are looking for expressions of interest in activations that will run for days or as long as three weeks."
Council is currently considering options for the 2026 New Year's Eve celebrations.
At the 30 June Extraordinary Meeting, Council allocated $20,000 in its 2026-27 Budget as a contribution towards a New Year's Eve fireworks display and is working with the Tourism & Economic Advisory Committee to seek sponsorship, grants and other external funding to deliver the event at the Kiama Harbour foreshore.
