Former Paralympian Sarah Houbolt and twice International Pole Dance Champion Deb Roach have been booked to perform at the family friendly event at Belmore Basin, giving a taste of things to come at the launch on Friday.

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Ms Roach, who was born without her left arm, said she felt like Australia was finally catching up with the rest of the world in terms of acceptance and creating opportunities for people of varying abilities.

Ms Houbolt agreed, “I hope we get to a point where we’ll be innately equally chosen for work no matter what.”

Both performers said they were highly drawn to the types of tricks elite athletes are famous for, but their abilities show any body can achieve any thing.

“I love pushing the body and I think circus is innately an art-form that is accepting of diverse bodies because it needs to be because of its history,” Ms Houbolt said.

It’s expected 15,000 people will pack Wollongong Harbour to see entertainment from 5pm which includes indigenous dance and song and a vocal performance interpreted in Auslan.

For the Wollongong NYE program CLICK HERE.

We recommend catching the train to Fairy Meadow, North Wollongong or Wollongong stations, and then jumping on the free Gong Shuttle Bus.

For more bus and train information phone 131 500 or visit www.transportnsw.info 

Between 4pm – 10.15pm on New Year’s Eve the following roads will be closed:

Cliff Road between Georges Place and Marine Drive

Harbour Street between Cliff Road and Smith Street, including Old Court House Lane

Harbour access ramp off Endeavour Drive.

Between 8.30pm – 9.30pm lower Endeavour Drive will also be closed.

Businesses within the road closure zone will be open as normal.

The entertainment will begin at 5pm with the eat street precinct in Hindmarsh Park, with live music from 7pm. There will also be food stalls and entertainment along the harbour.

The traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks begin at 9pm. This year will see the fireworks followed by a series of laser light shows at 9.25pm, 9.45pm and 10.15pm. For the program CLICK HERE.

While Lauries Carnival will be operating from 7pm – 9pm at Blackbeach Reserve.

The Shellharbour Club will present on fireworks show at 10pm.

The club will have live entertainment, free kids events and activities>

For more information CLICK HERE.