Few events bring people together like New Year's Eve and Wollongong Council is determined to ensure it's a celebration open to all, including those with unique accessibility requirements.
The evening of 31 December will see Wollongong Harbour host an alcohol free, family friendly event, highlighted by the traditional 9pm fireworks display.
It will also see the return of an Accessible Viewing Area at Belmore Basin to ensure people with disability can still enjoy a front-row seat.
The prime viewing area also provides easy access to amenities and will see performances from roving entertainers and a visit from PAWS Pet Therapy Dogs before the sky lights up come 9pm.
It continues Council's partnership with disability support services provider The Cram Foundation as part of a commitment to ensuring planning of New Year's Eve celebrations caters to people with varying needs that may otherwise be excluded from participating.
The initiative aligns with Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan (2020-25) that ensures planning for events includes measures that make them more inclusive and accessible for all members of our community.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said providing opportunities for people with disability was a key consideration in Council's event planning.
"It's always a joy to celebrate New Year's Eve with friends and family, and we're so fortunate in Wollongong to be able to enjoy it at our beautiful harbour and foreshore," Cr Brown said.
"Fireworks lighting up the sky above the water is always a memorable and enthralling sight, and for many of us it's an experience we may take for granted. Unfortunately, it's not always as simple for people with varying access requirements and their loved ones.
"It's so important that New Year's Eve festivities are open to all members of our community, and providing an accessible area in a prime viewing location ensures this is not an afterthought, but a priority."
Picture: L to R Cram Foundation CEO Alisha Musker, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Tania Brown, ForHealth Regional Manager Alicia Boyle, Rebecca Subotic - Practice Manager Dapto Medical & Dental Centre
Cram Foundation CEO Alisha Musker said the collaborative approach with Council has seen the event become more and more inclusive each year.
"Over the past four years, we have seen the New Year's Eve fireworks Accessible Viewing Platform at the Wollongong Foreshore evolve through our partnership with Wollongong Council," Ms Musker said.
"Each year, we've worked closely with the events team to enhance the experience for all attendees by providing our feedback on the previous year with a focus on all abilities - creating a truly inclusive celebration for everyone to enjoy.
"Our participants look forward to the fireworks with great excitement and this year is no different. On behalf of myself and the entire team at Cram, we look forward to seeing you there on New Year's Eve."
The event also offers a Quiet Tent with sensory activities near the corner of Cliff Road and Marine Drive. This is a great space for people with sensory issues who need some quiet time during the event.
Bookings to use the Accessible Viewing Area are now open until 11:59pm Monday 16 December, while there will also be an accessible drop-off area and people can request to have a parking bay allocated.
With the support of Platinum Partner ForHealth, New Year's Eve will also feature the Wollongong Summer Festival in Lang Park featuring rides and food trucks, while Osborne Park will also host multiple food trucks featuring various international cuisines.
"ForHealth is the second largest provider of GP services in Australia and the largest operator of Urgent Care Clinics," ForHealth Director of Operations Simon Cross said.
"Our Dapto and Corrimal practices that serve the many people in the Wollongong area will be open every day across the festive season and we are delighted to be a key sponsor for the NYE fireworks."
The evening concludes with the iconic fireworks display at Wollongong Harbour 9pm. Those attending the event are encouraged to consider using public transport, including the Gong Shuttle Bus, to get to and from the event.
Information regarding transport options and road closures is available a Council's website.
