Last October, Kiama council resolved to set aside, each year, the date of February 3 as ‘Kiama Independence Day’ and mark this day with a morning tea and at that time host a public speaking competition on an appropriate topic.

This particular date was suggested, as February 3 last year marked the date of the council merger public inquiry meetings.

Public inquiry meetings regarding the state government’s then proposed merger of Kiama and Shoalhaven councils took place. 

Dozens of Kiama residents registered to speak at the meetings. 

The merger ultimately didn’t proceed. 

There were two sessions at Kiama Leagues Club, and another at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

According to a report to council’s January extraordinary meeting, councillor Neil Reilly had met with the manager of library services, the youth worker and members of the library staff on a number of occasions to plan the event.

“Due to short timeframes it is now proposed to hold the speech day on May 13, 2017 at The Pavilion with publicity of the event to commence in February,” council’s report said. 

“It is also proposed to invite representatives of relevant organisations to judge the event involving school children from years 7, 8 and 9.”

The organisation committee has established a draft budget of $6625 to hold the event including Pavilion hire costs, refreshments, publicity costs and prizes.

A photographic competition as an extension of the ‘Kiama Independence Day’ is also being planned.

At the extraordinary meeting, councillors noted the proposed change of date of the event and endorsed the draft budget.

How would you celebrate ‘Kiama Independence Day’? Let us know at kinews@fairfaxmedia.com.au