Batemans Bay is inviting residents and visitors to unite to remember a day that changed many lives, and celebrate the future.
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This New Year's Eve, the Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber and the Love the Bay campaigners are throwing a a Sydney VIVID-style lighting display on the Batemans Bay foreshore.
NSW Commissioner of Resilience Shane Fitzsimmons will make the trip to the region to address the community.
There will be live music from 6pm to midnight on the foreshore and Mara Mia Walkway, and CBD venues will extend their opening hours so visitors can support their favourite restaurant, cafe, pub or shop.
Batemans Bay Rural Fire Service brigade captain Ian Aitken, Bega MP Andrew Constance and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips will speak to the community and Loretta Parsley will deliver the Welcome to Country.
Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber president Mathew Hatcher called on community members to volunteer on the night.
"Due to the current COVID regulations, more assistance is needed than with 'regular' events," Mr Hatcher said.
"We are so excited that so many of our chamber members and local venues are coming together to create an evening for the whole community."
Event coordinator Marieke Janssen said there was a strict COVID-safe plan in place, with entrance and exit points, COVID marshalling and QR code check-ins.
She said there would be no fireworks this year after discussions with the community. Fears included smoke and sound triggering those who experienced last year's fires.
Ms Janssen encouraged attendees to go to the Light up the Bay NYE 2020 Facebook page to see which businesses will extend their hours on the night and to reserve a table.
She was overwhelmed by local businesses who are supporting the event, and thanked Hertz, Mogo Wildlife Park and Beyond Bank for being the major sponsors.