Work to repair and refurbish a pavilion at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve is well underway.
The Traralgon and District Agricultural Society received a $157,525 grant from the Federal Government to complete the works.
Local MP Darren Chester said the funding would help the agricultural society upgrade the pavilion so it could be used for events and by community groups.
“The Traralgon and District Agricultural Society has faced many challenges over the past few years with inadequate facilities to support the running of the Traralgon Show,” Mr Chester said.
“While the coronavirus restrictions forced the cancellation of this year’s show, it has allowed the society’s volunteers to use this time to make these much-needed improvements.
“The historic craft pavilion was in serious need of work including the introduction of toilets and disability access, roof repairs and electrical works.”
Mr Chester said the society hoped that once finished the venue could be used as a multi-use facility for community group hire, training and social events.
“These works will make the facility safer and more user friendly for the agricultural society and also other user groups, such as NDIS participants and other recreation reserve tenants,” Mr Chester said.
“This project is also supporting local jobs with local contractor J Croft Carpentry from Morwell undertaking the works.
“By putting locals first and employing local contractors, this project is supporting our economy and, most importantly supporting local jobs.”
Traralgon and District Agricultural Society Project Manager Caitlin Grigsby said the work would improve facilities for upcoming events
“We are planning to have the pavilion to be ready for the return of the Traralgon Show in 2021,” Mrs Grigsby said.
“This pavilion will be for the wider community to enjoy. It will be great to finally host the Traralgon Show after an extended hiatus over the past couple of years.
“This grant has meant we are able to finally complete these much needed upgrades and have a user friendly and accessible venue for the community.”
The Traralgon and District Agricultural Society received the funding as part of the Federal Government’s Regional Agricultural Society Development grant program.
More than $630,000 has been allocated to Gippsland through the program including $254,000 for Maffra and District Agricultural Society, $115,190 for Yarram Agricultural Society and $103,393 for Omeo and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
