After a good run, the old dairy pavilion at the Gloucester Showground has been upgraded and officially unveiled on the first night of the 2018 Gloucester Show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a project spearheaded by Gloucester AH&P Association vice president Alison Kernahan, a brand new open-air shed has been built where the old one once stood.
The association was successful in receiving a $120,604 grant to help cover the costs of building a new multi-purpose shed. Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen made the announcement about the funding from the 2017-18 Public Reserves Management Fund in September 2017 and was at the official ceremony on Friday, March 16.
“The grant money has provided the earthworks, the shed, the power and water,” Alison explained.
Basically, the entire project from demolishing the old shed to the fit out of the new one has been covered, but there was a lot of additional support from local trades who helped keep the costs down. The project was close to Alison’s heart for a couple of reasons. Her uncle, Charlie Ritter was behind the construction of the luncheon pavilion at the grounds, so seeing another structure built is part of the family legacy. But also, Alison has a personal connection to the diary shed.
“I’ve been showing cattle here since 1993,” she said. “I did my first junior show at 13 years old.”
“I want it to continue for my children. I wanted to make sure dairy showing could keep going.”
She explained how the old shed was failing and the number of exhibitors coming to events had been dropping.
“People didn’t want to bring their cattle into the wet, damp shed.”
A dairy show at this year’s Gloucester Show wouldn’t have proceeded without the new facility Alison said.
February saw the first event held in the shed with the Manning Albury Heifers Show attracting 70 to 80 head of cattle. Everyone, including the cattle fit in the shed and there was even enough room for the show ring.
“The atmosphere of the exhibitors was amazing,” Alison said. “The hope is that word will get out and we will be able to attract new exhibitions and encourage others to return.”
But the shed isn’t just for showing cattle.
“The whole idea of the project was to build an uncover area the whole town can use,” Alison said.
Bringing in the new is just as important to Alison as remembering the past with a slideshow of photos of the old shed being played during the official opening ceremony.
“We don’t want to forget the old shed because it is part of our history.”
The old shed was opened in 1930.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
