Supporting the upgrades of showgrounds across NSW is aimed at ensuring there is more work for local tradespeople and Lismore and Kyogle showgrounds were happy recipients of funds.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin (Labor) last week visited Lismore Showground to inspect how a $125,000 Showground Stimulus Funding grant from the NSW government had powered up the facility. The project involved the upgrading of the power system at the showground replacing 20 antiquated power boards to increase reliability and safety
‘President John Gibson and secretary-manager Mark Bailey are very happy with how this project has rolled out after their application was successful under Phase 1 of the Showground Stimulus Funding Program, one which I have heavily supported, Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin said she was looking forward to what should be an imminent announcement of successful, larger Phase 2 projects and hoped that local showgrounds in the Electorate of Lismore would be among the beneficiaries.
‘The $25-million program, rolling out over two financial years, is aimed at getting money ‘out the door’ for long-overdue showground maintenance and improvements, simultaneously keeping local tradespeople in work,’ Ms Saffin said.
However, it is important to note that this is a male dominated area of employment once again highlighting the failure of both state and federal governments to address the needs of hard working women in rural regions.
‘Showgrounds are central meeting places for local communities and they host events that showcase the best and brightest of our talents and goods and wares,’ said Ms Saffin.
‘I recently attended the Lismore Carboot Market at the Lismore Showground and was greatly impressed by the new COVID-safe venue.’
Unisex toilets for Kyogle
Ms Saffin also visited Kyogle Showground to see how a $110,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3 grant is being used to upgrade amenities, including their new main unisex and accessible toilets and showers.
‘I thank Kyogle Showground Trust president Paul Anderson and vice-president Kevin Donaghy for showing me another well executed project which will benefit all who use the showground,’ Ms Saffin said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
