At its January meeting, Council resolved to note positive community feedback from the 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration and approved a 2026 event featuring food trucks and a 9.30pm fireworks display.
The decision follows ongoing strong support from residents, visitors and local businesses, with more than 2,000 people estimated to have attended the most recent New Year’s Eve celebrations at the foreshore.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said the event had become a key date on Port Broughton’s calendar.
“The New Year’s Eve celebration continues to be well supported by the community and visitors, and Council is pleased to confirm the event will return in 2026,” Mayor Kerley said.
Council staff reported overwhelmingly positive feedback, with large crowds gathering from late afternoon through to the evening fireworks display.
Six food vendors traded during the most recent event, reporting strong sales and indicating they would be keen to return in 2026.
The report to Council also highlighted the importance of safety planning, with the Port Broughton Jetty closed during the fireworks display in accordance with regulations, and local police, ambulance and CFS volunteers supporting Council staff on the night.
To support early planning, Council has confirmed arrangements with a South Australian fireworks contractor for New Year’s Eve 2026.
The estimated cost of the 2026 event is $22,000, reflecting modest increases on previous years.
Council has supported the New Year’s Eve celebration in its current format since 2021, with the event playing an ongoing role in supporting the local visitor economy and reinforcing Port Broughton’s position as a key holiday destination on the Yorke Peninsula.