Kurnell community 'stronger' after tornado

A year after savage storms and a tornado lashed Kurnell in Sydney's south, the local mayor says the community is still suffering but is stronger.

The freak storm hit the region mid-morning on December 16 last year leaving a trail of destruction with record wind speeds up to 213km/h, leaving several people suffering minor injuries and many homes and businesses without roofs.

Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce said it's been a hard year for the residents of Kurnelll with some people still only just moving back into their homes.

"The community has come closer like a family. The whole shire pulled together." he told AAP on Friday.

A community BBQ was held at Kurnell primary school on Thursday attended by emergency workers and all those who helped out during the storms.

Mr Pesce said some homes however are still damaged because insurance companies are "not pulling their weight".