The local business community has thrown its support behind the December 31 spectacular, ensuring local residents and visitors to the region will farewell 2009 - and welcome 2010 - with a bang.

Chair of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber (southern area) Vaughan Sansom and the director of Sunset Fireworks Eric Croker said the response to last week's call for help in the Times had been fantastic.

The 'white knights' include Darryl Leslight from Ray White - Surfside Properties and Ian and Rod Cowley from the Harbourside Shopping Complex who have chipped in with $5000 each, Peter Lean from Hazcorp Pty Ltd who has donated $3000 and the Milton and Districts Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) which has provided $1000.

A whole 'army' of other business has thrown its support behind the event with smaller donations.

Mr Sansom said this week that he was extremely pleased with the response and confirmed that this year's fireworks display would definitely go ahead.

However donations and sponsorship are still being accepted to help cover costs.

Donations from the business community or members of the public can be left at Furniture One in Ulladulla.

With more pledges expected over the next few days, Mr Sansom said there was a good chance the event may be expanded to include street entertainment as well as the traditional fireworks and carnival.

Mr Croker believes Ulladulla is the perfect place for "something special" on New Year's Eve.

"Ulladulla Harbour offers such an amazing venue," he said this week.

"With the right mix of entertainment we could really turn it into a benchmark event that this town can all be proud of."

Mr Croker thanked the local business community and in particular the 'white knights'.

"They have seen the value this brings to the area along with the smiles on kids' faces and really stepped up to the plate," he said.

He also praised the Shoalhaven Business Chamber (southern area) for all their hard work.

"It appears 2009 is a real turning point for this event and I have a great feeling that it has a bright future," Mr Croker said.

Darryl Leslight from Ray White - Surfside Properties (incorporating Surfside Properties Bawley Point) said he was pleased to be able to support the event.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to really put our town on the map but more importantly, this type of event also helps secure local businesses and therefore local employment," he told the Times this week.