On August 1st 1979, The dissolution of Shoalhaven Shire Council and Proclamation by the Governor of NSW, Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, of the Municipality of Shoalhaven as the City of Shoalhaven took place.

Councillor, (then Alderman) Gregory H Watson was appointed provisional Mayor until September 1980, when he was elected as Shoalhaven’s first Mayor by popular vote.

On August 14th 1879, the original timber bridge across the river at Kangaroo Valley was opened. At the time it was the highest bridge above water in NSW. It cost £3,000 and it was washed away by flood on 24th May 1898, five days after the Hampden Bridge was opened!

Finally, on August 24th 2003, a severe wind storm struck and gusts up to 160km/hour buffeted the Shoalhaven causing millions of dollars damage. In addition many trees came down across power lines causing blackouts lasting days in some instances. Emergency Services were stretched to the limit.
Emergency power had to be supplied to hospitals and then to dairies so that the cows could be milked. Damage to Council’s property alone included:
• Six shops at 37-43 Kinghorne Street, Nowra – Roof blown off
• Nowra School of Arts – Section of roof blown off and remaining roof damaged
• Ken Furness Building (at rear of Nowra School of Arts) – Western end wall and roof damaged by large tree
• Nowra Showground Grandstand – Section of roof blown off
• Berry Showground Poultry Pavilion – Demolished by wind
• Sporting amenities Lyrebird Park, Nowra – Majority of roof blown off