Page 7 - The Outdoor Showman January-March 2024

the gathering of crowds and 1941-1946 during which time the grounds were used by the army as a training camp. In the early 1980s, HDAA leased a parcel of land covering 60 acres which was acquired from the Hawkesbury Agricultural College and allocated as Showground Reserve under the trustee of Hawkesbury City Council which is now known
resulting in one of the best showgrounds in Australia.
The Showmen’s Guild members have been great supporters
of the Hawkesbury Show and with their help, HDAA has developed a side show alley with extensive power supply, tar sealed roads and camping facilities which attract the best amusements in the country.
to receive additional grants under this program which provided for a refurbished amenities block (Showie Toilets), electricity box upgrades, improved lighting, new announcers boxes, fencing
for the equestrian warm up arena, additional seating in the dog arena, road repairs and
a new exhibition pavilion for
as Hawkesbury Showground.
The Showground
The development of the Hawkesbury Showground
has been undertaken by a
large group of hardworking volunteers of the HDAA and the first show on the ground was held in 1987. From a muddy open paddock it has been transformed over the past 40 years with further developments and improvements
The main arena covers 10acres and with a 77-horse stable complex, the Hawkesbury showground has become a popular venue for equestrian events. A grant received in 2019 allowed for the expansion of the stables and further upgrades were carried out with the help of NSW Government Showground Stimulus grants during the COVID lockdowns
The showground was fortunate
livestock during the show.
The showground is managed by HDAA all year round and hosts an array of events ranging from livestock and domestic animal shows, sheep dog trials, plant and flower exhibitions, markets and food fairs through to caravan and tiny homes expos. The local zone primary schools have run their cross-country zone carnival on the arena and carparking area with some 850
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 5