COUNCIL BACKS COMMUNITY EVENTS

Shellharbour City Council is supporting two community events as part of its Community Donations and Sponsorship Program, which provides a dedicated annual budget to help local individuals, teams and groups deliver events and activities that benefit our city.

The Albion Park Show will return on 17 January 2026. The Show has been part of local life since the late 1800s, with the first official event held in 1888, and is still known as the “Biggest Little Show on the Coast”.

Caption: Council are supporting the Albion Park Show, which will be held on 17 January 2026. Image courtesy of Albion Park Show

Council will provide up to $8,500 of in-kind support, including barriers, topsoil, cleaning services and waste disposal. Continued assistance has also been approved through to 2029 to help keep the event strong and sustainable.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the Show remains an important part of the city’s heritage and community life: “This event brings people together, celebrates our agricultural roots and delivers real economic benefits to the region. Council is proud to continue its support for such a well-established and cherished tradition.”

Shell Con Mania will return to Shellharbour City Stadium on 22 August 2026 after a successful first year in 2025 that drew more than 1,100 attendees. Council has approved $5,000 in seed funding for the 2026 event.

“It has the potential to grow into a standout event for Shellharbour,” Mayor Homer added.

The Community Donations and Sponsorship Program also supports a range of other local initiatives each year, including cultural activities, school programs, sports and small community organisations.

How to apply
Support is available throughout the year. Eligibility and application details are available on Council’s website under the Community Donations and Sponsorship Policy.

More information: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/living-here/financial-assistance-and-sponsorship/community-donations-and-sponsorship-policy

KEY MESSAGES:
• Shellharbour City Council invests in community through its Donations and Sponsorship Program, which provides funding and in-kind support to help local individuals, teams, and groups deliver events and activities that benefit Shellharbour
• Albion Park Show receives continued support, with Council providing up to $8,500 of in-kind assistance for the 2026 event and approving ongoing support through to 2029 to sustain this historic event that has been part of local life since 1888.
• Shell Con Mania secures seed funding for growth, with $5,000 approved for the 2026 event following a successful debut in 2025, positioning it as a promising addition to Shellharbour’s annual events calendar.