Gilmore Duck Races at the Albion Park Show. Photos: Albion Park Show Society.
Shellharbour City Council has backed two major community events, voting to continue its long-standing support for the historic Albion Park Show while also giving the green light to funding growing pop-culture event Shell Con Mania.
During a recent council meeting, councillors unanimously approved in-kind sponsorship for the Albion Park Show, one of the region’s oldest and most cherished cultural events.
First held in 1887, the agricultural show is considered the longest-running event in Shellharbour’s history.
Under the decision, council will provide support such as crowd barriers, topsoil, cleaning and disposal fees of up to four tonnes of non-recyclable waste to the cost of $8500 for the 17 January show.
The same level of in-kind support will also be offered for the following three events.
Councillor Kellie Marsh said the request was more than just administrative, it was an opportunity to support one of the “most significant cultural and historical events in our city”.
“For well over a century, it has showcased agricultural heritage, celebrated local talent and brought our community together,” Cr Marsh said.
“The show has evolved over time, but its core purpose remains unchanged, celebrating agriculture, rural skills, community spirit and the traditions that continue to shape Shellharbour’s identity today.
“It stands as a living testament to the dedication of volunteers, farmers, local organisations and countless families who have contributed to its ongoing success.”
Cr Lou Stefanovski said it was a cherished community event that continued to encourage the next generation to get involved in agriculture.
“This event is the cornerstone of our community, dedicated to promoting local produce, supporting local farmers and empowering the agricultural community as a non-profit organisation,” he said.
“The Albion Park trade society gives back to the community in numerous ways. It promotes excellence in local agriculture, arts, entertainment and is showcasing the best of our community.”
Cr John Davey said the show provided “a direct connection to an earlier time” as the city headed towards a population of 110,000 by 2041.
“It’s such an incredible show that links us back to earlier days and an earlier history and a gentler time. It’s something to be cherished,” Cr Davey said.
Council also voted to provide seed funding for Shell Con Mania, a growing pop-culture event at Shellharbour City Stadium by Illawarra’s Friendly Neighbourhood Spidey, David Hunter, that attracted 1100 people in August.
While the original recommendation was for three years of financial support, councillors instead voted to approve $5000 for the 2026 event only, primarily delivered as in-kind support such as venue and services.
Cr Marsh, who moved the amendment, said the one-year commitment gave council and organisers “more scope for future years”, allowing the August event to be assessed annually.
“It’s always a challenge for community when they go to put on a brand new event,” she said.
“It’s nice to have something different in Shellharbour and for our stadium to be activated as well.”
Cr Mitch Ellis said he was surprised by how popular the event was, having attended this year, and saw council’s support as facilitating continued continuity of an important annual event.
“It showcased artistic talents of a lot of kids but also adults through costume design, prop making, and just the personal growth and building confidence that you saw in a lot of the kids and adults that thrive in that environment,” he said.
Cr Davey, who volunteered at the event, said the “atmosphere was incredible”.
“I like Cr Marsh’s idea to limit the funding to this year, and that then gives us the freedom next year to make a determination whether we should maintain, reduce or increase, and we can monitor that year by year,” he said.
“But it’s definitely worth the support at the moment.”
While Cr Rob Petreski’s question about the comparison in patronage of the two events was unable to be answered by staff during the meeting, staff did say the ratio per head would be less for the Albion Park Show.
The staff member said there were two key distinctions between the two events, with the show a long-standing event council was sponsoring ongoing, while Shell Con Mania was receiving initial support through seed funding.
Cr Petreski said he believed the original intent to support it for three years should be noted.
“It’s a new event to help the organiser get it off the ground and then, of course, hopefully it should stand on its own two feet over time,” he said.
Both motions were carried unanimously.
