New facilities ready when the show goes on

The date of the next Narrabri Show is still unknown as the COVID-19 public health rules remain, but the town’s local showground facilities are steadily being upgraded in the meantime.

A traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony was held at the showground recently to mark completion of a NSW Government-funded replacement of the old caretaker’s residence.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the project is among a range of showground improvements taking place at Narrabri State under the government’s showground safety upgrade and COVID-19 stimulus programs.

“As well as the new caretaker’s residence, safety upgrades at Narrabri Showground have included replacing external cladding on the harness racing stewards’ building, new aluminium seating, and checking and securing floodlights for the Pony Club.”

The COVID-19 stimulus program provided additional funding of more than $381,000 to Narrabri Showground for upgrades to the pavilion’s kitchen facilities, the arena, showers and grandstand, as well as structural repairs to walls and asbestos removal.

Indigenous company NPMI Indigenous, which managed the showground safety upgrade work, organised the traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony with the assistance of the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council to mark completion of the caretaker’s residence.

“The smoking ceremony will pay respect to the land and acknowledge ancestors while providing a spiritual cleanse to provide a safe environment for the caretaker’s house,” NPMI director James Russo said.

Narrabri Showground chairman Bill Wood said the new residence was a ‘fantastic addition’ to the showground together with the other improvement works undertaken with the NSW Government’s support.

“It was with much sadness that our long serving caretaker Paul Douglas passed away prior to the house being completed. After 18 years of dedicated service to the grounds and user groups, Paul would have enjoyed seeing the project completed,” Mr Wood said.

“The showground is a popular local venue and base for local clubs and groups including the harness racing club, pony club, poultry club, boxing club, show society, Riding for the Disabled, and Bushman’s Carnival Association. It is also used by the Rural Fire Service for training events and as an emergency relief centre when needed.

“The Narrabri Show is the Shire’s largest annual event and we’re looking forward to it being back bigger and better than ever next year with improved facilities thanks to the support of the NSW Government, our members and the local community.”