New showgrounds on show in November

New showgrounds on show in November

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Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society superintendent Terry Ilich, executive officer Dianne Begg, committee member Geoff Moor and marketing and events manager Ryan Schulz. Photograph — Kelly Pilgrim-Byrne.
Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society superintendent Terry Ilich, executive officer Dianne Begg, committee member Geoff Moor and marketing and events manager Ryan Schulz. Photograph — Kelly Pilgrim-Byrne.

It is expected to be a bumper year for the Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society with major reconstruction works underway on the showgrounds.

The works started with the recent demolition of the old greyhounds racetrack following their construction of Greyhounds WA’s new premises a few hundred metres north east of the site.

The reconstruction of the showgrounds will mean more room for facilities and new grassed areas.

It is expected to be completed for the Canning Show on November 4 and 5.

Executive officer Dianne Begg said the project will provide contemporary showgrounds for communities in the south east metropolitan area.

“As part of the showgrounds reconstruction, a footprint will be left for future construction of a new agricultural hall including spaces for the community events, workshops and productions,” she said.

A Bunnings will be built on the site providing an income stream for the society.

“The vision to generate income via rents from commercial tenants was the brainchild of Noel Dawkins, a past president and life member of CAHRS,” Ms Begg said.

“CAHRS does not receive government financial support to operate the showgrounds and relies entirely upon the rents collected to meet the costs of the reconstruction and managing the exhibition centre.

“At a time where many agricultural shows are struggling to compete with trendy markets and festivals the income is very welcome.”