Natimuk Showground extension celebrated

Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society members have celebrated the opening of a new, multi-purpose community building at Natimuk Showground.

Society secretary Judith Bysouth said the whole community would benefit from the $280,200 project.

“The showground is the hub of Natimuk and the facilities are of a high standard,” she said.

The new multi-purpose building contains a disability toilet and shower, toilet block, parent shower room, first-aid room, verandas an an undercover area.

Mrs Bysouth said work started in November last year, although the society had pursed new toilets since 2008.

She said the society was grateful for wide-reaching support for the project.

“We would like to thank Horsham Rural City Council for it’s support, in particular Martin Bride for heading up the project and Don Sharpe for his involvement,” she said.

“initially we had very generous benefactors and a regional development grant. Without the support from the Natimuk benefactors this project would never have gotten off the ground. The society is forever grateful for their support.

“When the project went to tender it blew out our budget and we are sincerely grateful for the Geoff and Helen Handbury Foundation for coming on board to ensure the project was not delayed.”

Mrs Bysouth said the project was also supported by Western District Employment Access, Natimuk Lions Club, V2 Lions Trust, Landmark, Agritech Rural and Graincorp.

She said the society looked forward to celebrating its 125th grand annual show in March next year.