Hawkesbury Showground Sports Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

An upgraded Hawkesbury Showground hosted the Golden Retriever Nationals this week, with about 200 golden canines from across Australia and New Zealand competing in the first event since 2020 due to COVID.

Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson said a new multi-purpose exhibition pavilion was part of a $2.67 million in Crown Lands’ improvements to the 40-hectare grounds.

“Showgrounds are multi-purpose hubs used to host everything from community markets and agricultural shows to relief centres during emergencies, so it’s great to see Hawkesbury Showground keeping Sydney’s rural roots alive in our global city,” Mr Anderson said.

“These showground upgrades will cater for everything from livestock, horse and market events to car shows, trade exhibitions, citizenship ceremonies and also shelter for people and their animals impacted by natural disasters like bushfires.”

Upgrades, funded by the NSW Government’s Showground Stimulus and Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Programs, supported jobs and included:

• Construction of the multi-purpose trade and exhibition pavilion;
• Refurbishment of horse stables;
• Safety fencing for two competition arenas;
• New fencing for the equestrian competition and exercise arena;
• Upgrade of the main arena’s ground announcer boxes;
• Refurbishment of an amenities block;
• Resurfacing of the main internal roadway;
• Installation of seating in the canine training and competition arena;
• Upgrades to electrical distribution boards and lighting; and
• Replacement of gutters and drainage on the administration building.

Hawkesbury Showground Administration and Business Manager, Andrea Roth said 135 annual shows had been held since the late 1800s and the tradition will continue.

“Hawkesbury Showground already attracts over 250,000 visitors a year with the annual show attracting 60,000 to enjoy a rural experience on Sydney’s urban fringe,” Ms Roth said.

“The new all-weather pavilion and other improvements are easily accessed by train enhancing the ground’s appeal as an affordable Western Sydney venue for commercial events and exhibitions and setting it up for future growth.”

• Topics:

• Grant / Funding
• Public Works
• Ag Shows