Kempsey Showground to be renovated with new portable aluminium seating arrangement

Kempsey Showground is reportedly undergoing a renovation getting some new portable aluminium seating. The Central North Coast National Agricultural Society, one of 122 rural show societies nationally, is sharing $20 million worth of grants to deliver renovation projects to local showgrounds after receiving $58,159 in the latest AgShows grants.

The $20 million grants are to be used by each successful show society nationally for a range of infrastructure works, from small-scale upgrades to major overhauls and new builds.

"The Kempsey Show is a major drawcard for the town, and it was sadly cancelled this year due to COVID-19," Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan said.

This grant will enable the society to give a facelift to the showgrounds, installing sturdy, portable seating, which will provide an added level of comfort for show-goers and will no doubt help to attract even more visitors next year.

Conaghan also said, "I thank the show society for making an application to the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, as their success will also provide a bit of work for our tradesmen and set the showground up for the future."

Nationally, agricultural shows contribute around $965 million annually to the economy and attract nearly six million Australian visitors every year.