IT’S one of the community’s big success stories - the rejuvenation of the Macksville Showgrounds and saleyards by a band of dedicated volunteers with the Macksville Show Society at the helm.
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Originally situated where Macksville High School is now, the Macksville Show Society hosted its first show in 1907.
When the Education Department came knocking in 1949, the show society upped stumps and relocated to the current site beside the Nambucca River.
In 1966 the site was sold to the Nambucca Shire Council for the grand sum of one pound with the show committee becoming a Section 355 committee of council.
In 2012 the 100th show was held and not long afterwards council started making noises about the costs of running the facility and its possible closure.
A deal was struck and on March 11, 2013, the Show Society repurchased their cherished home for one dollar.
With a new effluent system (that sees everything processed onsite to the point where the grey water is used to irrigate the show ring) and grandstand installed as part of the purchase agreement, the 12 board members and dedicated volunteers have been tirelessly pursuing a solid upgrade/maintenance program for the facility.
Secretary John Harris told the Guardian the grounds were used at least 150 days each year by groups as diverse as Pro-Ag, the Garden Gala and the Rusty Iron Rally, as well as the Natural Showmanship and poultry clubs.
“We hire the pavilion out for weddings, 21st birthday celebrations and other functions,” John said.
“Plus we have the cattle sales every two weeks, which are run by GJ Kennedy, as they have been for generations. Last year about 10,000 head of cattle passed through here.”
Society president Michael Ettelson said keeping the facility was vital to the lifeblood of the district’s farmers.
“It is used by many different community groups as well as businesses,” Michael said.
“Closing the saleyards would have been a huge loss because the sales would have gone to Kemspey or Grafton and local farmers would have had to transport their animals a lot further.”
Treasurer Peter Trisley said as a volunteer organisation, the show society made savings the council could not.
“We do the mowing plus we put all money earned back into the facility - we are now fully EPA compliant for the saleyard effluent plus WorkCover compliant,” Peter said.
“We have replaced the old wooden yards and the ring fence and have sourced a grant to rewire the hall.
“We hold the rights over the catering which is an important income stream - that is run by the Ladies Committee.
“Upgrading the pavilion is also in our sights.”
* The saleyards are available to local farmers and livestock carriers as a transfer or holding station subject to payment of $5 per head (GST incl).
The saleyards manager needs a minimum two hours notice to unlock the yards with the fee payable prior to opening. Phone the manager on 0423 053-840 or GJ Kennedy on 6568-1666.
* The next meeting of the ladies committee is on March 3 at 1.30pm in the pavilion. All are welcome - willing hands are always needed and cooking or baking is not a required skill. For more information, phone 6568-6285.