Since taking the reins at Maitland Showground in November, Manager Brett Gleeson has wasted no time getting the ball rolling on some big projects.
That includes successfully securing both federal and state funding to give the facility a makeover.
The Australian government has promised $256,000 to Maitland as part of a push to renew ageing showgrounds while the New South Wales Government has delivered close to $130,000 as part of its COVID-19 stimulus package.
“They’re very welcomed, as it hasn’t had a lot of money spent on it in recent years, so to get two grants in a month is quite magical,” Mr Gleeson told the Newcastle Weekly.
As part of the state government grant, 13 projects will be completed.
They include restoring the veranda and awning on the arts and craft pavilion which was built in 1892, upgrading lighting, electrical works, painting and extending a stormwater drain to a dam to prevent flooding of the grounds during storms.
“The Show Association is 160 years old and a lot of infrastructure is heritage listed and requires constant expenditure to keep it up-to-date,” Mr Gleeson said.
“We are certainly looking to boost what we do and have a long-term plan to revitalise the showground, and bit by bit these grants will help a lot.”
The venue is already home to Groovin the Moo, the Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show, Winemakers Show, harness racing, greyhound racing, poultry shows and the Maitland Markets.
“It’s a fantastic community asset and we want to make sure it stays current,” he said.
However, there is a twist, with works needing to improve the facility but also maintain its charm.
“In some ways it has a very rustic country feel to it, so it’s a balance,” Mr Gleeson said.
“We’re not wanting it to look contemporary, because that’s what some people want for weddings and significant milestones.
“It’s about agriculture and we don’t want to lose that, just make sure everything is in good working order and well maintained.”
Work will start next Monday, with the floor being replaced in the office, the gutters being cleaned and refurbished and the extension of electricity supplies and equipment.
The assistance couldn’t have come at a better time, with the showground having no events scheduled until August due to COVID-19.
Since the pandemic started, the association has lost $100,000 in revenue.
“The association is governed by a volunteer board, and we’re in a stable financial position, not at threat at all, just a loss of income, but with the federal grant that was only 50% of the cost needed we need to match that dollar for dollar,” he said.
In his new role, when planning for next year’s Maitland Show, Mr Gleeson says he wants to maintain the 160-year tradition of agriculture and horticulture, while enhancing and modernising the show as an event.
“There needs to be all the horses, cattle, poultry, art and competitions people experience, but, on the other hand, people want to be entertained, and want to see horse events and monster trucks to the grand parade which we have brought back for the first time since the 1970s and it was well received.
“We need more people from the community, not just show goers but participants in some way, from showgirls to young people involved in art and horticulture as well. It’s a quite challenge.”
Newcastle Showground was also a beneficiary of the NSW Government’s stimulus package, receiving $191,700 in funding to upgrade its grounds.
This will include construction of a kitchen and bar in the upstairs showground office, upgrades to lighting and the Country Women’s Association building and the construction of disability ramps for wheelchair access around the showground.
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