Kiama Halts 2025 NYE Fireworks, Eyes 2026 Return
Kiama Council has confirmed that the New Year’s Eve (NYE) Sky Show will not be held in 2025 however anticipates the event will return with a bang for 2026.
The decision follows extensive efforts to explore alternative funding models after no funds for the event were allocated in Council’s adopted 2025-26 budget.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the decision was a difficult one, but necessary as part of Council’s commitment to reducing its operating deficit and meeting financial sustainability obligations under the NSW Government’s varied Performance Improvement Order.
“It’s obviously disappointing as we know so many of our community members and regular visitors love our New Year’s fireworks and look forward to it.”
“However, this is not the first time we’ve had to pause this event and we’ll be redoubling our efforts to secure sponsorship and ensure it is better than ever when it comes back in 2026,” Mayor McDonald said.
As part of the budget process earlier this year, Council resolved to reduce the operating budgets of all departments. While funding for our Destination Events Program was retained, the $90,000 previously allocated to the Sky Show was not included in the 2025-26 budget. The budget was unanimously endorsed by all Councillors.
“Since then, staff have worked hard to find a way to make the event happen. This included seeking corporate sponsorship, working with the Kiama Business Network, surveying the community on possible paid entry options, and consulting with the Tourism & Economic Advisory Committee. Unfortunately, despite positive engagement with local businesses, we were not able to secure enough funding to safely deliver a NYE event.”
One option explored was a ticketed event. However, to enforce a ticketing system, areas such as Black Beach, Old School Flat, the Kiama Harbour and Blowhole Point would need to be fenced. This would be expensive and ultimately ineffective, as many people could still access alternative vantage points like Pheasant Point, Bombo Beach, the Kiama Showgrounds, and Manning Street to view the fireworks.
Approximately two-thirds of the funds required to stage the Sky Show are needed to ensure public safety and crowd management for an audience of 15,000-20,000 people. These costs remain fixed regardless of the event’s size or program.
An “honour system” was also considered, where tickets could be pre-purchased or donations made on the night. Council sought community feedback on this option via an online poll between 1 and 7 August 2025. While 45% of the 241 respondents said the Sky Show was important to them, only 24% indicated they would be willing to pay to attend.
The Mayor said that diverting funds from other projects, using the money generated by asset sales or increasing the operational deficit, was not the responsible decision given the Performance Improvement Order requirements.
“We know how much the Sky Show is loved by our community, but we also have a responsibility to live within our means and ensure that essential services remain our priority.”
“We have heard our community’s voices loud and clear on this event and we are already looking forward to its return in 2026,” Cr McDonald said.
https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Kiama-pauses-NYE-fireworks-for-2025-looks-forward-to-2026