Stepping inside the newly-constructed pavilion at the Kendall Showground on show day was a relief for cattle and humans alike.
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As the sun beat down on October 15, inside the pavilion was cool and quiet. Cattle dozed, their owners and handlers took a break from parading on picnic chairs before heading out to check out the food, show exhibits and entertainment.
Getting the pavilion from concept to construction was a mammoth effort by the show committee whose infectious community spirit attracts many willing helpers and donors.
The main pavilion was built thanks to a generous donation from the Kendall Community Op Shop and the volunteer labour from Matt Hammond, Chris Howard, Damian and Braidy Thurgood, Ron Porter, Sean Gleeson and the Wednesday Work Crew who work at the showground weekly.
Croki Caravan Park loaned a cherry picker to assist in the construction and the Ramsay family also donated financially.
The show society’s adult social riding group donated $5,000 towards the construction of the skillion roof.
Fundraising days were organised, such as an adult gymkhana and dressage day, to cover the costs of the tie-up rails and fit-out of the pavilion. The conveyor belt rubber was donated by Geoff Napthali, Sean Gleeson constructed the rails and Chris Howard donated the concrete to anchor the railings.
“Many people came together to achieve this,” said the pavilion project leader Sean Gleeson.
“The infrastructure at the showground for the cattle was very out-dated and so many people could see the potential in the showgrounds to host various events.”
The Camden Haven Show Society has a long-term plan to improve the whole showground.
“We’re just in the middle of painting the picture at the moment,” Sean said.
“We’re aiming high.”
The vision involves modifying the new pavilion so that removable stalls can be used to turn the cattle areas into stables to host regional equestrian events; improving drainage; and generally constructing facilities for a multitude of events to be held at the showground – from educational days to zone-wide sporting galas.
Kendall Showground is already home to the annual show, pony club, boxing training centre, Kendall Men’s Shed, Riding for the Disabled and Kendall Blues Rugby League Club. It’s on the way to becoming the heart of the Camden Haven.
For now the focus is on polishing off the work at the new cattle pavilion named in honour of Gordon Ramsay.
“From everything I’ve heard about Gordon, we’re on our way to creating a showground he would have been proud of,” Sean said.
Kate Dwyer
Journo. Wife. Mother of three.
Journo. Wife. Mother of three.
