Looking to boost the nursing workforce

Demand for staff sparks free study opportunities

A new chapter in the 160 year history of the Naracoorte Show began with the offical opening of the new Members’ Clubrooms at the Naracoorte Showgrounds.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin offically opened the new building which received more than $300,000 from the former Coalition Government, announced in 2020 when the, then Federal Government, was looking to offset the devastating effect of COVID on agricultural shows and field days, with more that $80million handed out as part of the grants program.

The $517,000 project included an exhibition hall, board room, kitchen, toilets, storage rooms and carpark upgrade. Mr Pasin said the grants are benefiting both agricultural show societies and local towns and communities like Naracoorte.

“In many regional areas agricultural shows and field days are the heart and soul of our regional communities,” Mr Pasin said. “They help bring communities together, bridge the divide between country and city and provide a key injection into the local economy.

“These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia’s food and fibre, and in Barker we have some of the best in the nation.”

Naracoorte Pastoral & Agricultural Society Secretary Amanda Lock said the new building has improved the offering at the showgrounds, which has seen many additions since 1890. “The renovation and extension of the Members’ Clubrooms has allowed the Society to provide an essential community space for Naracoorte and surrounding areas,” Mrs Lock said.

“The building offers full multimedia facilities in both the hall and boardroom meaning users can be connected, literally to anywhere in the world. The kitchen, storage rooms and fully accessible toilets compliment the space giving the building a diversity of uses for the whole community.

“We are very excited to have this venue as part of our showgrounds and are very grateful for the grant funding we received to enable this project to be fulfilled.”