News

The nerds were heard, loud and clear

By Bree Harding

Sep 9, 2026

Moama siblings Zachariah Shoesmith as the Joker and Elena Shoesmith as Harley Quinn enjoyed their visit to Shepparton’s Nerdmania. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The nerds came, they saw, they shopped and they played their way through Shepparton’s own returning comic convention.

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Nerdmania saw around 1300 people through the door of its first event since 2019.

While numbers were slightly down on the last event seven years ago, Salvation Army North East Youth Services youth participation worker Jim Gow said considering the shorter preparation time, different time of year and clash with kids’ sport and other events, the result was positive.

“I think the response from the community to show up and have a great day equated to an amazing atmosphere,” Mr Gow said.

“There were more than 1000 people who showed up before 1pm, so there was a great response from those who asked for it.”

While the event went off without a hitch, Mr Gow said there were always things that could be improved.

“We are yet to have an internal analysis of the event, but the 95 people who have completed the survey were overall very happy with it,” he said.

“With the survey comes potential for suggestions and improvements, which we have received and will look to action moving forward.”

Seed funding for the event was provided by VicHealth through Greater Shepparton City Council with the aim that it broke even, so this year’s funds made would pay for next year’s event, and so on.

“While we are still doing the sums, it is looking like a possibility of it returning in 2027, but I can’t make that promise yet; we also need to get approval internally to commit the resources in order to make it all happen, so there is a few conversations yet to go,” Mr Gow said.

“Fingers crossed it becomes a regular, annual event, as I feel there is definitely an appetite for the event, but also for growth of the event, moving forward.”

Mr Gow said the event was a team and community effort and that he was grateful to everyone who welcomed the event back and contributed to its return.

“This is not a ‘Jim Gow event’; it’s a Salvation Army North East Youth Services event with partnership from Greater Shepparton City Council and VicHealth, plus sponsors and partners, which, without, wouldn’t happen,” he said.

“I would also like to thank our youth committee, who helped in the planning and execution of the event, who volunteered their time to construct the event from the start, be at the event all day, and even some packing down and putting in the hard yards, they know who they are.”