Australia Day was marked across the Kiama local government area with barbecues, breakfasts, live music, cultural events and a citizenship ceremony at Gerringong Surf Club.

Early starts were made at Reid Park, Gerringong Bowling Club’s car park and Kiama Downs Surf Club, where locals gathered over barbecue breakfasts to share food, conversation and a laid-back start to the public holiday

.

Jamberoo also joined in the celebrations with a well-attended Australia Day BBQ.

Live music featured at Reid Park, where local country artist Amber Kenny performed fresh from her return from the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Amber Kenny at Reid Park

Smoking ceremonies were held at Kiama Downs and Gerringong to commemorate the First Frontier Wars.

The ceremonies symbolise historic smoke signals once used along the East Coast to warn of the arrival of the tall ships of the First Fleet.

Smoking ceremonies at Kiama Downs

Cultural workshops, biodegradable wreath making and performances by First Nations musicians were held alongside the ceremonies, providing opportunities for reflection and learning throughout the morning.

A formal Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony was held at Gerringong Surf Club from 10am, where new Australian citizens were officially welcomed.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald addressed those in attendance, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.

“It’s always a powerful moment.

"People from different backgrounds and life stories, standing together and choosing to formally call this place home," he said.

"The ceremony is a reminder that community isn’t something we inherit - it’s something we actively build, together.

Citizenship Ceremony at Gerringong Surf Club welcomed new Australian citizens

"Becoming an Australian citizen is more than a legal milestone.

"It’s a commitment to shared values: respect, fairness, responsibility and care for one another.

"Values that are lived every day in communities like ours."