Manning River Agriculture and Horticultural Society (otherwise known as the Taree Show Society), received $15,000 that will be put towards a power upgrade. 

This will include refurbishment and extension of existing power boxes and an upgrade to power and lighting in pedestrian areas, camping grounds and the cattle display area.

Manning River Agriculture and Horticultural Society president Milton Johnston said the upgrade is another step in improving infrastructure at Taree Showground.

“This will deliver a vital part of our master plan for the showground precinct,” Mr Johnston said.

Wingham’s Manning Valley Historical Society will be able to refurbish and build new storage and display rooms on their existing facilities with a $12,000 grant. 

Rare and valuable clothing, millinery, manuscripts and records from 19th century and early 20th century Australia will be securely stored in a new storeroom, costume workroom and exhibition space.

Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the items provide an insight into the history of the area.

“The museum houses a unique and incredibly rich cultural record of what Australian and early life in the Manning was like,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Decades of tireless volunteers labour, skill and donations from the community have built a collection that would be hard to rival in regional Australia.”

Meanwhile, Dr Gillespie was given a tour of the Wingham Showground Mineral Museum by Manning Valley Rockhounds.

The mineral faceting room has recently been completed while the stone polishing room will have new, safer grinding machines installed as a result of a $6000 grant.

“The mineral museum is another treasure trove which can excite young minds to study the wonders of geology and minerals,” Dr Gillespie said.

“They do have tour groups as well as students here for teaching, so helping the museum enriches the community as well as the experience for all who visit.”