With its offering of shelter from the elements and an abundance of exhibits to view, the new Main Pavilion was a major drawcard for Mudgee Show crowds over the weekend.
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From cakes and cookies and jams and jellies to flower displays, art and crafts and plenty of photographs, the record number of Main Pavilion entries - as well as the building - proved a show saviour during an event downsized as a result of rain.
The large photography section was commended by judges Bob and Chris Cook from Castle Hill RSL Photography Club in Sydney, who congratulated entrants on the high standard of the images, particularly in the junior competition.
The whole town can be proud of what they’ve got.
“Some of the winning images in the various classes could be competitive in national competitions within Australia and the authors should be encouraged to pursue this,” they said.
The Main Pavilion was officially opened last Friday afternoon by Mudgee mayor Des Kennedy and former Member for Orange Russell Turner, who said the “fantastic” building would put Mudgee at the forefront of top show venues in the state.
“Right throughout the state, the facilities used for shows in small country towns are somewhat lacking in maintenance and rebuilding, so it’s really great to see the local council upgrading the grounds to this standard,” he said.
“The whole town can be proud of what they’ve got.”
Mr Kennedy commended the tireless efforts of fellow councillor John Webb to ensure the $100,000 given to Mid-Western Regional Council under the state government’s Community Building Partnerships scheme went towards the new building, likening “Webby’s” determination to that of a racing greyhound.
“I know how much heartache and hard work he’s put into it in the short time I’ve been on council – he’s been copping a lot on the chin for a very long time, so we owe a lot of this to his efforts,” he said.
Mr Webb said he was pleased Mr Turner chose to attend the opening despite being retired from political duties.
“I said I’d let him open the building if he agreed to put that money towards it, so it’s a matter of keeping your word and I’m glad that both of us have,” he said.
