Celebrating another funding windfall for the Moree Showground, this time for a replacement pavilion, Moree Show Society Media Officer Chantelle McKibbon, left, Moree Showground caretaker John Girling, Moree Show Society President Brendan Munn, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and NSW Crown Lands Senior Property Management Officer Michelle Chittenden.
Thursday, 28 January 2021
FOR the first time in 15 years the Moree Show Society will soon have a dedicated space to call home within the Moree Showground, after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announced a $402,450 State Government grant to build a new, multi-purpose pavilion.
Mr Marshall said a 1980s-inspired open-air structure would replace the former animal and wool pavilion which was demolished in 2020 due to extensive termite damage.
“For 130 years the animal and wool pavilion at Moree Showground dutifully served the agricultural community, showcasing the highest quality local sheep and wool,” Mr Marshall said.
“Last year the building was removed as it had become structurally unsound and unsafe for use by the public.
“Through this grant a new pavilion, with a gabled roofline, will be built in its place, providing permanent office and storage space for the Moree Show Society and open-air area for livestock exhibiting.
“The sheep shearing stage from the former pavilion was retained and will be upgraded to form part of the new structure and create an important link to the past.
“Just like the annual Moree Show, this pavilion will have the wider community at its heart, with the open-air design offering a space which can host events like animal shows, markets and public gatherings throughout the year.”
President of the Moree Show Society Brendan Munn said the pavilion marked a new era for the organisation.
“Despite being one of the main user groups of the Moree Showground, the Moree Show Society has not had a dedicated space there since 2006,” Mr Munn said.
“Deliberately lit fires destroyed much of the infrastructure at the Showground including our secretary’s office, which was a huge blow for our committee.
“This pavilion will have an enclosed end which we will utilise as an office, committee room and storage space.
“While the building will be constructed on the footprint of the former wool pavilion, its updated design and modern materials will make it a showpiece of the grounds.
“It is our goal to have construction completed in readiness for the 2022 Moree Show. As per NSW Government procurement guidelines there will be an open tender process and I encourage local contractors to tender for these works.”
Mr Marshall added that since 2018, the State Government had spent $1,219,266 improving facilities at the Moree Showground.
“Through the installation of a solar power system and upgrades to buildings and onsite security, Moree Showground has become one of the most modern, safe and accessible venues of its kind anywhere in the Northern Tablelands,” he said.
“The amount of work which has been undertaken by the land managers and caretaker John Girling is a real credit and has paved the way for the facility to become one of Moree’s premier event venues.
“With COVID-19 travel restrictions easing, this new look Showground has a major role to play in reinvigorating the local tourist economy, both through hosting community events and affordable camping.
“I encourage community groups, sporting organisations to make with the most of what the site has to offer and book their events in now.”
Upgrades to Moree Showground also include new perimeter fence, cattle pavilion, Men’s Shed, internal road sealing, pavilion kitchen upgrades and improvements to the public amenities.