The NSW Police Force is reminding the community to be celebrate safely this Australia Day, as the state prepares to mark a national holiday that will look very different this year.

With large gatherings limited across the state due to COVID-19, people are being encouraged to watch the live broadcast on TV from their home, have small COVID-safe gatherings with family and friends or book a restaurant in their local area to help support businesses.

The usual Council-backed gatherings aren't happening around the Municipality this year, apart from one organised by the Kiama Downs SLSC. Instead, it has worked with other councils to provide a spectacular flyover of five planes from the HARS Aviation Museum.

A highly visible and mobile police operation will be in place across the state on Tuesday 26 January 2021 for those who choose to reflect and celebrate outdoors. General duties officers, assisted by specialist police, will be deployed across the state to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing APM, said with a smaller number of events and careful crowd management plans, it’s more important than ever to be patient and plan ahead.

“Australia Day 2021 is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit, so we ask the community to be patient and respect each other and any restrictions in place,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.

“People may be marking the day differently, but as with any major event, police will still be out and about across the state focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Police aren’t here to disrupt any plans, but we do have the power to ensure that the community is adhering to the current public health orders, including restrictions on gathering and movement and the wearing of mandatory face coverings in certain settings.”