Stay connected with monthly updates from Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer, highlighting important initiatives, community milestones and the latest news from across our city.
Thursday 7 May 2026
In a major milestone for Shellharbour City Council, we recently broke ground on the Shellharbour Boathouse, a landmark marine and tourism facility at the Shell Cove Waterfront.
A significant Local Government infrastructure project with NSW State Government funding assistance, it will deliver new and innovative tourism that will provide local employment and marine skills diversity.
This unique maritime complex will be a key driver in the emerging ‘blue economy’ here in Shellharbour, stimulating job creation, creating specialised marine industry professionals, and attracting longer stay visitors to the Shellharbour area.
Also guiding the future of our city is the Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026-2027 (DPOP) currently on public exhibition. It details the actions, services and capital projects Council will deliver, how performance will be measured, and includes Council’s budget and key financial information for 2026/27.
Please view the documents on Let’s Chat and share your feedback.
Making connections within your community is incredibly important, and volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to do so.
The Shellharbour Volunteer Expo will be held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday 23 May, bringing together a wide range of organisations to showcase opportunities that suit different interests, skills and availability.
Volunteers are the heart of our community, and whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a long-term commitment, there is a volunteering opportunity to suit everyone; and the benefits go both ways.
I encourage residents to come along, have a conversation and see how getting involved can make a real difference - to others and to yourself.
I’m always proud to see how connected our residents are to the natural spaces around them, and the Wild About Shellharbour nature photography competition celebrates that.
This year’s theme ‘Tree Tales’ highlights the important role that trees play in supporting our climate, wildlife and neighbourhoods and there are just a few days left to submit your photo and share the story behind the tree you value most.
There are two main categories and a People's Choice award, with great prizes to be won like Visa gift cards and vouchers to the Shellharbour City Nursery.
Mayor Chris Homer
Thursday 16 April 2026
Shellharbour has once again been named a finalist in the 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards. This is a proud moment for our entire community, from local tourism operators and small businesses, to volunteers, event organisers and residents who make visitors feel welcome.
Shellharbour offers something truly special, from our beautiful coastline and Lake Illawarra to our villages, world-class marina, hinterland and growing events calendar; all delivered with a relaxed, welcoming lifestyle that people remember long after they leave.
I encourage everyone to get behind Shellharbour and cast your vote. It's a simple way to show pride in our city and support local people whose livelihoods depend on a strong visitor economy.
I’m also really pleased to see the proposed Tiny Homes Pilot Program move to public exhibition.
This is an important milestone and reflects our commitment to exploring practical ways to respond to the housing pressures felt across our community. We know that renting can be hard and expensive. This is about giving people more housing choices, while making sure everything is safe and well-managed
The NSW Government’s Gateway Determination shows there is support to explore this idea further. I encourage you to view the documents on Council’s website and have your say. Your feedback will help shape how this pilot moves forward.
The first stage of the Harrison Park Master Plan is now complete, delivering a new youth-focused recreation space in the heart of Shellharbour City Centre. It’s fitting that this space was opened on the eve of the school holidays and Youth Week, which starts today, with young people coming together to celebrate, connect and be active.
Named in honour of former Mayor Bob Harrison and his wife Anne, Harrison Park is a place of significance for the local community.
Following Bob’s recent passing, on behalf of Shellharbour City Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Bob’s contribution to public life has left a lasting mark on our city. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to the Shellharbour community.
Mayor Chris Homer
Thursday 12 March 2026
Last Friday, we welcomed women from across the region to the Shellharbour Civic Centre for a wonderful International Women’s Day event. It was a privilege to hear from a diverse panel that included award‑winning artist Anna Glynn, our 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Tahlia Bonnano, and Illawarra Academy of Sport Rugby 7s athlete Zali Milthorpe.
I was especially proud to see three inspiring women from within Council on the panel – Margaret Fletcher, one of our emerging young leaders currently acting as Engineering Works Manager; Bronwyn Anderson, Team Coordinator of Bushland Management; and Flora Lepouras, Executive Manager of Corporate Governance and Risk.
Sharing stories, challenges and lived experiences helps pave the way for others. It’s a powerful reminder of this year’s global theme, Give to Gain, and the importance of lifting each other up.
The Shellharbour Coastal Management Program has reached an important stage, and it’s time for our community to provide feedback. We have identified more than sixty possible actions to guide the long‑term care, protection and sustainable use of our coastline, from Windang Island through to the southern end of Shellharbour South Beach.
Our beaches, headlands and waterways are among the most valued natural assets in the region, and I take our responsibility to care for them very seriously. I encourage everyone to visit Let’s Chat and share your thoughts on how we can continue to protect and manage our coastline for future generations.
Following recent upgrades to the Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, Council has further strengthened accessibility with the introduction of a new water wheelchair. This lightweight, easy‑to‑use chair supports swimmers with limited mobility to safely enter, move about and exit the pool. Safety features include a lap belt, footrests, brakes and compatibility with the pool’s new accessibility railing system. More information, including how to access and use the wheelchair, is available on Council’s website.
Finally, thank you to everyone who joined us for the wide range of activities during NSW Seniors Festival. It has been a pleasure to celebrate the energy, creativity and contribution of older people in our community, and to acknowledge the rich diversity of experiences that shape Shellharbour.
Mayor Chris Homer
Thursday 19 February 2026
It has been a positive and encouraging start to the year across Shellharbour with several moments that highlight both the progress of our growing city and the strong sense of community that brings us together.
One of the most significant milestones this month was the start of construction on the Yellow Rock Road Upgrade in Tullimbar. Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP, and I were pleased to acknowledge the beginning of works alongside Cleary Bros, the contractor delivering the project. This long‑awaited upgrade will bring safer intersections, improved pedestrian connections, new pavement, better drainage and more accessible parking — strengthening the link between the Illawarra Highway and Araluen Terrace. Support from the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and the Road to Recovery program has been essential in getting us to this stage, and it’s exciting to see work now underway for the community.
Another major moment for our city has been welcoming elite women’s golf to Shellharbour. From 17 to 19 February The Links Shell Cove hosted the final qualifier in the 2026 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series, drawing professional and elite amateur players from across the country.
The atmosphere around the course has been lively as spectators have enjoyed the Pro Am event before the official two-day qualifier began. Known for its sweeping fairways, coastal winds, and impressive scenery, The Links has provided a stunning backdrop for the tournament which includes a fifty-thousand-dollar prize pool and live coverage on Kayo Sports.
It has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region and to celebrate women’s sport on a national stage.
Community spirit was on full display at the Illawarra and South Coast Lifeguard Challenge at Shellharbour Surf Club, where lifeguards from across the region came together for a day of friendly competition and skill‑sharing. A huge thanks goes to all who took part and showcased the incredible talent and professionalism of our lifeguard community. Amid the great sportsmanship and camaraderie, our team delivered another outstanding performance, securing a fourth straight title.
As the month continues creativity is bringing new colour to everyday spaces through the Art in Unexpected Places program. Sydney based artist Sharon Billinge is transforming bus shelters across the city with thoughtful designs inspired by people their stories and the connections that shape community life. It is a wonderful reminder that art can brighten the simplest moments and help us see our city with fresh eyes.
Mayor Chris Homer
Thursday 29 January 2026
I hope everyone has had a happy New Year and a relaxing start to 2026. It’s been a busy and uplifting few weeks for Shellharbour, with two wonderful events that truly showcased the spirit of our community.
Breakfast by the Lake returned to Reddall Reserve on Australia Day with the kind of energy only Shellharbour can muster. It was a beautiful morning of food, music and connection by the water, the kind of tradition that reminds us why people love calling Shellharbour home.
Earlier in the month, we celebrated our Community & Australia Day Awards at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. We received a record number of nominations and recognised ten outstanding winners whose service, talent and dedication enrich our community every day. A special mention goes to Citizen of the Year Jarrad Borg and Young Citizen of the year Tahlia Bonanno, who truly embody the spirit of Shellharbour. Their passion, leadership and commitment to lifting others up are a powerful reminder that our city’s future is bright when individuals step forward and give back with heart.
We’re also looking forward to the 2026 Annual Lifeguard Challenge, hosted at Shellharbour Surf Club on Thursday 12 February. It’s a friendly but hard‑fought showcase where professional lifeguards from Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven go head‑to‑head, and it is a great chance for our crews to come together at the end of a busy summer season. Please come down and cheer them on at 7pm. Best of luck to Team Shellharbour as they chase a third straight title.
Improvement works at Bass Point Tourist Road will resume following the summer holiday period, with the road closing to vehicles again from Tuesday 27 January 2026 while around two kilometres of roadway is sealed. Red Sands and Maloneys Bay car parks remain open to vehicles, and all walking tracks, including pedestrian access to Bushrangers Bay, will stay during the works. Co‑funded by the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund, the project aims to improve safety while protecting the reserve’s natural and heritage values.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the many thoughtful messages we’ve received for Deputy Mayor Kellie Marsh. The kindness shown by our community has been truly touching. Kellie, we are all thinking of you and your family, and we look forward to welcoming you back when you’re ready.
Mayor Chris Homer