Welcoming new citizens, community events and the Jervis Bay Duck Derby will be among the highlights of Australia Day festivities on the South Coast.

There will be a range of activities January 26 but for something totally different, you can win $500 if you enter the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay 2026 Duck Derby at Moona Moona Creek.

Tickets are now available via www.raffletix.com.au/duckderbyrace12026 and if your duck is first across the line you will pocket $500.

Funds raised go to support the lifesaving work of Marine Rescue NSW Jervis Bay.

There will also be Indigenous cultural displays performed by The Gadhungal Murring Aboriginal Community, food stalls, market stalls, and entertainment.

Kiama Council, with the assistance of Australia Day Community Event grant funding, is partnering with local organisations to host free BBQ breakfasts at three locations.

• Reid Park, Jamberoo, 8:30am–10:30am hosted by Jamberoo Red Cross and Jamberoo Rural Fire Service
• Kiama Downs Surf Club - 7am-11am, hosted by Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club
• Gerringong Bowling Club car park - 7.30am-11.30am, hosted by Gerringong Lions Club.

Pack a camp chair, picnic blanket and sunscreen, and join your community for a relaxed morning of connection and conversation. There will be family friendly activities at each venue for the community to enjoy.

Council will also host the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Gerringong Surf Club from 10am, where Mayor Cameron McDonald will officially welcome the LGA’s newest Australian citizens.

“Welcoming new citizens is a highlight of the day,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see people choose Kiama as their home and bring their stories, energy and commitment to our community. Australia Day is a chance to come together with respect, optimism and pride.”

Country singer David Kirkpatrick will be Shoalhaven Council’s Australia Day ambassador with author and gender equality advocate Diana Ryall filling the same role for Shellharbour.

Kirkpatrick, who is also an emergency medicine specialist doctor, will be a keynote speaker at the Mollymook Beach Reserve event organised by Council and the Ulladulla Milton Lions Club.

Reddall Reserve will be the central point for Shellharbour's activities with a sizzling BBQ breakfast and free family fun, including Slip n slides, jumping castles, a sand modelling competition, a rock climbing wall, laser tag, stand up paddleboarding, face painting, children's arts and crafts, live music and market stalls.