History
The first Show was held on the grounds in 1913 in the month of January. The only time there was no Show was
during the 2nd World War as the Army used the grounds for training purposes.
There have been a number of large pavilions built on the grounds. The oldest still standing is the Highway Pavilion
and currently is used as a ballroom dance studio. Other pavilions have
been pulled down and in one case, one burnt down two nights before the annual show in 1966.
The grounds have been used for many purposes over the years including fundraising, entertainment, Carols by
Candlelight, trade shows, christmas parties, car sales and much community
activity.
Mr Norm Jordan was Secretary of the Show Society for 20 years and was helped by his wife Hazel and the Showground
Trust for 48 years, retiring in 1997 with the Conference Centre named after him. Norm Jordan and members of the Showground
Trust had the insight to start a Caravan Park on a small area bounded by the Coffs Creek and the Showground and this has
grown into the Tourist Caravan Park as it is today.
The first modern block of 60 stables was named after Wendell Blake who gave many years on the committee and
as President of the Show Society and a number of years as Chairman of the Showground Trust. The block was named "WENDELL
BLAKE LODGE".
The second block was named "PETER JOHNSTON BLOCK". Peter Johnston was also a member of the Showground
Trust for many years and served as a committee member of the Show Society with a number of years as Ring Master.
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