My decision not to proceed with fireworks this New Year’s Eve will understandably disappoint many residents who look forward to the tradition each year.

But this change also presents an opportunity – one that could see our communities connect in new ways and deliver a valuable economic boost to local businesses across the local government area.

Rather than gathering in a single location for a display, residents can instead celebrate close to home – by booking a table at their local restaurant, reserving a seat at their favourite bar or pub, or organising a family picnic in a nearby park and supporting the takeaway businesses in their neighbourhood.

Staying local doesn’t just cause pressure on traffic and crowd management – it keeps dollars circulating in the local economy and supports the very businesses that serve our communities year-round.

Cafés and restaurants now have the chance to offer set-menu New Year’s Eve dinners or special family-friendly sittings.

Bars and pubs can host early “local countdowns” or relaxed live music nights, and feature pre-booked locals packages.

Business precincts could work together to promote progressive dinners, twilight dining trails, or “shop-and-stay” promotions.

Local parks and picnic areas can become focal points for people to gather with neighbours and friends – and small activations such as live musicians, outdoor movies or pop-up performances can deliver all the atmosphere of a large-scale event at a fraction of the cost.

The real opportunity this year is to demonstrate that a celebration of community doesn’t have to rely on a single spectacle.

By choosing to celebrate within our own neighbourhoods, residents can contribute directly to local jobs and strengthen the social fabric that supports our towns and villages.

I strongly encourage businesses in our LGA to get creative and take advantage of this golden opportunity!

So while the fireworks won’t take place this year, the spirit of celebration certainly can – and in more places than ever before.

Stay local. Celebrate local. Support local.

The thoughts expressed in this column are from Councillor Melinda Lawton, not on behalf of Council