AMDA Foundation today announced it has stepped back from its role as organiser of Airshows Downunder Shellharbour and is looking for another organisation to take over the event.
Airshows Downunder is the rebadged Wings over Illawarra, due to be staged at Shellharbour Airport NSW in March next year.
According to a statement released today, AMDA has done so to focus its support for general aviation in other areas, including funding and education with an emphasis on building career and work pathways for future generations.
“AMDA’s priority has always been to support and promote the Australian aviation and aerospace industry,” said Justin Giddings, CEO of AMDA Foundation.
“We believe the most effective way to do this now is by investing in the sector’s future, through targeted grants and education initiatives that foster long-term industry growth."
Giddings also acknowledged that Geelong-based AMDA faced challenges organising a major air show in another state.
“Staging a major airshow requires significant operational planning and resourcing. We believe a new operator, with an existing presence in the region, will provide a better product,” he said.
“While AMDA is confident a new airshow operator will be found, we will continue organising the careers and skills program, which attracted attendance of 7000 students at Avalon earlier this year.
Giddings said AMDA was in "positive discussion" with prospective new organisers and that AMDA would still support the event.
“We want to reassure the aviation community and the greater Illawarra region that the airshow has a strong future,” he said.
AMDA Foundation took over what was Wings over Illawarra from Bright Events in 2023, re-branding it to Airshows Downunder Shellharbour and holding the first even under that banner in 2024.