Enjoy Australia Day – at a distance

Wollongong City Council will light up the skies this Australia Day with COVID-safe laser and lights displays that are best seen from a distance.

While Council’s traditional jam-packed event program for 26 January has been put on hold this year due to the pandemic, we’ve focussed on offering a COVID-friendly way to acknowledge the date.

Provided there are no changes to the NSW Public Health order and no cases of locally-transmitted COVID-19, the one hour light show will be on display from two locations in the Local Government Area. This display will be set up at Nicholson Park, Woonona, and in Kully Bay, Warrawong. A combined seven-minute laser and light show on rotation in Belmore Basin, Wollongong from 9-10pm.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the main drawcard for Council with the light displays is that they can be seen further away.

“We’re very focussed on supporting and looking after our community’s wellbeing, and by offering this light display we’re able to do something that people can enjoy safely from afar,’’ he said.

“Whether you’re based around Woonona, Wollongong or Warrawong you’ll be able to watch and keep a safe social distance from others. This is a display designed so you can have the experience at a distance but know you are still enjoying a visual event with others in your community to acknowledge Australia Day 2021. In fact, finding a quiet space to watch while tuning in your radio so you can listen to the audio soundtrack is the best way to make the most of the display.

“I want to be clear – this is not something you’ll want to watch close-up. You’re best to be at a distance away to enjoy the full impact of the display.’’

Cr Bradbery said that while Council was moving forward with the display plans, close attention was being paid to the NSW Public Health Order as well any update NSW Health advice.

Also, on Australia Day, Wollongong is collaborating with Shellharbour and Kiama councils to offer a flyover of vintage planes from the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), look to the skies from 11am, There will also be a helicopter flyover towing the Australian flag departing Shellharbour Airport at 5pm and making its way along the coastline.

“Wherever you live in Wollongong, you’ll be looking up to the skies to see a number of vintage planes across the day which will no doubt bring much excitement,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

Wollongong Council will also hold its pared back Australia Day Awards on Friday 22 January. The event is by invitation only and will see the announcement and presentation of Wollongong’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year award.

“As you’d expect, we’ve also made some modifications to the Awards ceremony – moving it from a dinner to a light lunch and ensuring there are COVID safe measures in place,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“I don’t think anyone would be surprised that we’ve made these changes to the event. However, it’s important that if it can go ahead, it will. It’s important we continue to recognise those in our community whose selfless actions improve our city for all.’’