New sheds and much-needed makeovers
Each year the RASF Community Futures Grant supports local communities with funds for projects that enhance local social and economic outcomes. Two of the 2017 winning communities completed their projects earlier this year. Coonabarabran Showground’s Caitlin Warner lead the project to build a new cattle shed for the showground. Caitlin says that the use of the pavilion has actually exceeded all expectations. “The interest we have had from various cattle breed groups to hire the facility for their shows has been more than we expected. We also had brilliant feedback from locals who attended our annual show, and said they would return next year to show their cattle as they were very impressed by the new pavilion”.
The Grant allowed the committee to improve facilities, benefitting multiple user groups and delivering greater revenue and opportunities to the community. From hiring the facilities to increased local visitors looking for a place to stay and eat, the showground improvement has been a boost for the entire community.
Russell Hallaran from Walgett’s Gordon Pavilion says that the restoration of the pavilion’s roof and guttering thanks to the Community Futures Grant has ensured the ongoing use of the community facility, something that is integral to the entire Walgett region. The Gordon Pavilion is the only sizeable public hall of its kind in the area and is used by numerous clubs, schools, community groups and committees.
The kitchen facilities at Bourke Showground were far from adequate for the many events held at the showground over the course of the year. As runner up in the 2016 Community Kitchen Awards, Bourke received Euromaid kitchen appliances and second-hand kitchen cabinetry donated to the Foundation. Bourke Pastoral & Agricultural Association’s John Beer was proud of the way in which a wide volunteer base united to make the most of the donation. Working together, they created a functional kitchen that provides not only a pleasant workspace but is also an important social space for interaction and mutual support.
