Callington Show society needs a new pavilion

Organisers have approached the Murray Bridge and Mount Barker councils about footing part of the bill for the replacement of the show's undersized facilities.

Peri Strathearn

Apr 26, 2023 — 2 min read

Locals support locals – that's why this post advocating for local people is free to read. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories. Subscribe today.

This tiny hut is hardly ideal for the Callington A&H Society’s headquarters, say Clive Wundersitz and Sean Carr. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

The Callington Show has gone from strength to strength in its 21 years, with big crowds and a growing reputation as a fun day out.

But one thing is holding its organisers back: a lack of space to work in.

The Callington A&H Society’s undersized shed doesn’t even fit all of the tables, chairs and bins they use each year; some are still stored at people’s houses.

Worse is the tiny transportable hut the society uses as an office.

During major events, when up to a dozen volunteers might need to squeeze in there at any given time, the situation is unworkable, says president Clive Wundersitz.

He and the society have approached the Murray Bridge and Mount Barker councils, asking for a contribution towards the cost of building new facilities.

“The need for (a new) show pavilion has become quite desperate,” he said.

“The transportable office, (only) two or three people can work in it.

“During show week we have heaps of volunteers; with a new show pavilion and office area … people can sit along a long table, prepare show bags, do photocopying and all the things required for a show.”

It’s all fun and games, but the Callington Show takes a lot of organising. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

A 36-by-nine-metre shed would cost about $165,000.

The show society hoped the Murray Bridge council, responsible for the eastern side of town, might chip in $20,000.

The Mount Barker council has been asked for $50,000; and the show society and park committee would put in another $60,000 between them, with the rest to come from grants, donations and sponsorships.

“Hopefully between Mount Barker and Murray Bridge we’ll get a reasonable figure,” Mr Wundersitz said.

“But we certainly need the support of the councils.

“It’s a big project for Callington.”

He also encouraged local businesses to get in touch if they felt they had funds to contribute.