In recent times a series of Kiama business owners have been seeking to shift perceptions surrounding the “night time economy” and boost evening business activity within the town.

Among the owners leading the charge is My Chocolate Shoppe’s Nathan Fives.

Also involved are KaBari Bar owners John and Samantha West.

They are proposing to create an online community/committee, established via social media, to collectively promote Kiama businesses operating at night time.

The group would also meet throughout the year.

Mr West said their venue will be open during the evenings more nights during the week, offering promotions such as 'local nights' featuring musician Justin 'Woody' Anderson, and from October to January, a jazz/blues night.

The latter will include performers such as Kiama's Sean Emmett and Lee Holman, as well as ticketed dinner/show events featuring Pearlnoire.

“We're pretty excited to be looking at presenting different nights, so that right across the board for Kiama locals there's stuff for families, music enthusiasts, foodies,” Mr West said.

“The idea behind the committee is that we get all businesses together, talk about what they're doing and then promoting that as a whole, not as individuals.

“As in, 'this is Kiama, and this is what's on offer'.”

Mr West said it was key that business owners get on the front foot to “help make Kiama what it really should be”.

“The way we look at it is, if we're promoting the whole area as one, if someone comes through my door one day and they go through someone's door the next day, it's better than having no one going through your doors,” he said.

“As a collective group we'll be able to promote Kiama to the best that it possibly can be.

“The surrounding areas of places like Wollongong, Nowra, I don't think they're offering as safe an environment as Kiama.

“So all the cards are kind of stacked in our favour.

“We've got great eateries, good nightspots, a safe environment, and I just think all we need to do is look at it in a positive light and move forward, instead of dwelling on the past and maybe thinking people are not coming out.

“I think it's more they're not coming out because they don't really understand what we've got here in the area.”

Mr West said a potential name for the committee was 'Kiama Nights'.

Mr Fives is currently in discussions with Kiama Tourism, and said support for the committee would be sought from Kiama Tourism, the business chamber and Kiama council.

Mr Fives believed there was currently “more going on” regarding night time activity in the town than in recent years.

He believed “there's no reason why we can't have a vibrant, continental, Mediterranean style night time scene happening in Kiama”.

“One that's family-friendly, good for young and old, and visitors and locals,” he said.

“The crime rate is low, the streets are safe at night, the climate's good, and there are plenty of businesses committed to doing it.

“The framework is there.

“I think it's just a question of getting those that are committed to doing it collaborating and together making as much noise as we can about what Kiama has to offer.”