Kiama Council is bringing its Australia Day festivities to the beach, with Jones Beach in Kiama Downs to host celebrations on 26 January 2024.

Mayor Neil Reilly said the town will celebrate on 26 January as it always has, but this time it will be among the sand and surf instead of a community hall.

“Most of our community enjoy their Australia Day at their local beach or park, so we thought why not join them?” said Mayor Reilly.

“The Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club gets a great turn out for their Australia Day celebrations, and we’re delighted they’ve agreed to have us onboard.”

“What could be a more appropriate way to mark our national day than at a local surf club?”

The festivities kick off at 7am and run until 11am, and will feature Australia Day staples including:

• Breakfast barbeque
• Welcome to Country
• Australia Day Address
• Citizenship ceremony
• Flag raising
• Smoking Ceremony
• Indigenous dance performance
• Beach games and activities

Jamberoo will host its own festivities at Kevin Walsh Oval from 9am to 11am with a barbeque, live music and activities. Gerringong will also have a barbeque out the front of the Bowling Club at Werri Beach from 7am to 11am.

Council usually hands out community awards on Australia Day, but has this year decided to move it to the same week as Local Government Week in August. 

“We’ve made this change to ensure a greater profile for our local community awards,” Mayor Reilly added.

“It will coincide with the establishment of Kiama Council in August 1859.”