2024 Long Beach Show and Shine

Lawless has always been happy to throw its support behind charity runs and show & shines, not just because they are usually a great day out but you get to see plenty of eye candy! The fact is, it brings people together, motorheads and punters alike get to mingle and particularly in rural settings much of the proceeds go to charity or recipitents in need of some help.

The Long Beach Show and Shine is the product of the Long Beach Community Association (LBCA). The association raises funds through the event and other means for community projects and infrastructure.

Last year's Long Beach Show and Shine proceeds went partly to the construction of much needed shade sails over the local playground, this year beach safety.

The turnout was great and mainly because of the great location. Long Beach is located seven minutes north of Batemans Bay, NSW. The town is centrally located making it an easy drive from Shoalhaven in the north, Bega shire to the south and Canberra to its west. Located at what I would call the start of the Kings Highway, the main road from the coast to Canberra makes it what could be and probably is a suburb of Canberra, thus the amount of day trippers attending the show.

What always gets me in our regional areas is the quality and variety of these shows. This event as mentioned attracted attendees from far and wide and the variety of rides could be said the same, everything from a late model Bently convertible, a Lamborghini to a Manx Beach buggy and a Chrysler Centura. Whilst numbers of bikes were down there were certainly some quality rides.

There is one vehicle that does deserve specal mention, that's the Ryan family's 1928 Chevrolet which they have owned since new. Apparently they also have a Dodge of the same year they have also owned since new. Another special mention is of the silver ute and black harley used in our introduction. The ute I actually photographed when it was first built around 20 years ago and the bike was built by the same world renowned custom builder the late Mario Colalillo. If you like your cars, particularly your Cadillacs look the man up!

The event is held beachside on Sandly Place Reserve, the area popular with holidaymakers as the beach is dog friendly. Many also bring their four legged friends along to the show which had one of the members "Sue W" to the event mention "Dog cruelty, all these car tyres and the poor little dogs can't pee on any of them!" Haha, nice one Sue W ( had to say "w" because there is so many Sue's).

To hold any event these days aint cheap and insurance is the biggest cost, mainly due to the size of the event, so this year the association asked that attendees to register their vehicles, $10 per vehicle donation. Those who didn't register were parked on the outer and charged a gold coin donation but the reserve layout did not take away from the access for punters with the outer and road also playing host to some cool rides. Eighty cars and bikes registered adding $800 to the funds as well as gold coin donations. I guess there would be many like me who just carry notes and would be happy enough to give a larger donation for a good cause.

Whilst on the subject of good causes I was able to catch event "Presidente" as she would like to be known and ex marketing guru Gabi Warton for her take on the day. "It's always difficult, it costs money to hold an event, by the time you do the publishing, printing of any materials it adds up! This year the proceeds raised will be going towards beach safety upgrades, there was a near drowning early this year and a elderly resident and members of the public had to intervene to save the person. The LBCA have highlighted the need for safety rings and probably a defibulator. Long Beach is one of the few 24/7 dog beaches in NSW with no supervision, monotoring by life guards. Council does give some support but the main thing at the moment is coastal errosion. We have had the talk about safety upgrades and whilst they (council) are very supportive, unfortunately due to financial restraints we have to help." This is where the marketing comes in, it's not only about raising money, one of the best things about putting on an event like the Long Beach Show and Shine is the community and to enjoy the beautiful winters day, sun is shining and the chrome is gleaming."

When asked why a Show and Shine? "Its a car guys community, people love cars, my husband is a car guy. I'm a Ford girl who loves GT Falcons and XY utes."

This year there were two trophies "People Choice Car" and "People Choice Bike". Gone is the old ballot box, these days voters vote online via a QR code. Punters scan a QR code on the vehicle which organisers say make it is easier and the count at the time was around 35 votes from 500 attendees, but it was only early.

With the event having a rather short show time of three hours an after show run next year is also being considered to a venue or attraction.

There would be no show without the vendors, sponsors and most of all, the committees! There was no lack of coffee, cookies, hot dogs and most importantly the local Long Beach Rural Fire Service BBQ. Special thanks to our mates at Shannons and their donation of portable toilets. Much appreciated fellas!

Shows and locals behind these shows are the backbone of any community and I as a resident I would like to thank them all.