Residents of the Kiama LGA know how lucky we are to live in such an idyllic location as ours, which is why it’s important to keep our environment litter-free all-year round.

One local, Drew Mathiesen, took to social media to thank passers-by who helped him clean up Black Beach on Tuesday night following New Year’s Eve celebrations. Drew managed to scoop up two plastic bags filled with confetti, which could have easily made its way into our waterways.

“So much plastic confetti and rubbish that can't break down and being close to the ocean is heartbreaking to see,” Drew wrote on Facebook. “I dread to think of what got into the harbour already.”

Kiama Council's waste services team keeps on top of making sure the LGA is tidy, but they understandably can't be everywhere at once.

"So, we ask everyone to play their part by taking their rubbish with them, after they’ve enjoyed their day out," a Council spokesperson said.

"This not only helps our waste services team, but equally our lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers, who need to have their eyes on the water, not chasing down litter."

The New Year’s Eve Sky Show is estimated to have drawn 15,000 locals and visitors to Black Beach on 31 December 2023. The event was heralded as being the most environmentally friendly Sky Show yet with Fireworks Australia providing fireworks made from rice straw and calcite materials rather than traditional cardboard to reduce waste, as well as using 30 per cent less black lift powder.