Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, and Bundarra Show Society Vice President Dave King at the old stable block – one of two – to be replaced with the $129,076 grant from the State Government.
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
THE home of one of the region’s smallest but most-loved agricultural shows will soon undergo some major improvements, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $129,076 State Government grant for Bundarra Showground.
Mr Marshall said the funding would be used by the Bundarra Show Society to replace the two dilapidated horse stable blocks and the adjacent amenities block, which are all showing a lot of wear and tear from many years of use.
“This year’s Bundarra Show didn’t go ahead – one of the many victims of the terrible drought – so this news couldn’t have come at a better time to buoy the community’s spirits,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Bundarra Show Society has a small committee which works damn hard to keep the showground looking its best and plan for each year’s show.
“One of the most used facilities at the Bundarra Showground are the horse stables and while they have served the community well for many years, the old structures are in need of a massive upgrade to make them safe and functional for horses and their owners.
“The grounds are also used by Bundarra Pony Camp, and with many families staying during the event, there are also plans to upgrade and improve the toilet block and amenities, which is welcome news for all showground users.
“Through the hard work, passion and drive of its committee, the Bundarra Show will definitely go ahead in 2021, celebrating its 95th birthday in style with these new and improved facilities.”
Bundarra Show Society President Matt Devlin said the funds would make the showground more presentable and functional for users.
“As a community, we are very lucky to have a venue like the Bundarra Showground, which allows people to come together, hold events and celebrate everything which is great about living in regional Australia,” Mr Devlin said.
“These grounds have done so much for building community spirit over the years, now it’s time for us to put some money back into it. We are working to modernise the existing buildings and just freshen up the site which looks old and tired.
“I look forward to working with Showground Trust on a list of projects which, if improved, will ensure this venue remains a centre for community gatherings.
“During the past two years Bundarra’s residents have gone through so much, it’s important we have events which bring people together and take their minds of things. I think the 95th Bundarra Show in February, 2021 will be the event to do that.”