Conybeare Morrison Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan
March 2010
Conybeare Morrison International 52 - 58 William Street East Sydney, NSW 2011 T. 8244 8888 F. 8244 8877 E. [email protected] 09041
Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan
CONTENTS
List of Figures
1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Commissioning and Objectives 1 1.2 Location, Property Description and Study Area 3 1.3 Authorship 3 1.4 Acknowledgements 3 1.5 Methodology 3 1.6 Limitations 3 1.7 Abbreviations 4 1.8 Heritage Status 4 1.9 Nomenclature 4 1.10 Terminology 5
2.0 History 6 2.1 Landform, Layout and Landscape 6 2.2 Original Owners 7 2.3 Original Settlers 9 2.4 History of the Showground Sites in Mudgee 10 2.5 Management of Showground 14 2.6 Mudgee Show Society Inc 14 2.7 Annual Shows 19 2.8 Community Contributions 21 2.9 Community Use of the Place 24 2.10 Historic Development on the Showground 26
3.0 Physical Assessment 35 3.1 Setting, Landform, Layout and Landscaping 35 3.2 Early 20th Century Structures 35 3.3 Late 20th Century Structures 76 3.4 Movable Heritage 80
4.0 Comparable Analysis 85
5.0 Significance 87 5.1 Introduction 87 5.2 Methodology for Assessing Significance 87 5.3 Grading of Significance 88 5.4 Application of the Criteria 89 5.5 Elements of Significance on the Showground: 92 5.6 Statement of Significance 95
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6.0 General Conservation Approach 97 6.1 Introduction 97 6.2 Owner’s and Steward’s requirements 97 6.3 General Conservation Policies 101 6.4 Fabric for Conservation 112 6.5 Exemptions 113
7.0 Interpretation Strategy 115 7.1 Background 115 7.2 Interpretation Guidelines 115 7.3 Opportunities and Constraints particular to Interpretive Works 117 7.4 Interpretation Plan 118
8.0 Implementation 121 8.1 General 121 8.2 Maintenance Strategy 121 8.3 Maintenance Plan 125
Appendicies
Appendix 1: Chronological History of the Mudgee Show Society Inc and Its Predecessors and of the showgroud sites in Mudgee.
Appendix 2: Harold Robert Hardwick, (1866-1935) Architect, of Mudgee.
Appendix 3: Torren's Title deed for Allotment 1 of Section 66 of the Town and Parish of Mudgee.
Appendix 4: Report to Strategic Council Meeting 4 March 2009 - Draft Mudgee Showground Master Plan (In Part).
Appendix 5: Survey and Building Plans
Appendix 5: Bibliography
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List of Figures
Figure No. Description Page No. Figure 1.1 Location Map - Mudgee Showground. Source: UBD. 1 Figure 1.2 Site Plan showing location of buildings. 2 Figure 2.1 Portion of a map of the LEP for the Mid-Western Regional Council, showing the site of the showground and the 7 adjoining public reserve of Flirtation Hill Figure 2.2 William Lawson MLC, Mudgee pioneer 9 Figure 2.3 Market Square, now Robertson Park, the site of the first Mudgee 11 Show on 22 April, 1846. Figure 2.4 Lawson family's Putta Bucca homestead (circa 1860) 11 Figure 2.5 Part of the Putta Bucca estate in the Parish of Bumberra in the 12 County of Phillip, with the conjectural site of the showground Figure 2.6 The location of the third showground site on part of the Cox family’s Burrundulla estate, used as a showground 12 from 1862 until the early 1880s. Figure 2.7 Portion of a map of the town of Mudgee, 13 showing the current showground site. Figure 2.8 Part of the 1861 Mudgee Show booklet 16 Figure 2.9 Show schedule for the opposition show society, Farmers & Free 18 Selectors Association and Horticultural & Industrial Union (1879) Figure 2.10 Prize certificate from the Mudgee APH&IA (1909) 19 Figure 2.11 Prize certificate from the Mudgee Agricultural Society (1911) 19 Figure 2.12 1994 Show Society President A. W. Cox and 1994 Miss Mudgee Showgirl Emma Kearins (left) and 1993 Miss Mudgee Showgirl and 20 1993 Miss National Showgirl Sarah Wilson (right) Figure 2.13 George Henry Cox, MHR and MLC, long-term President of 21 Mudgee Show Societies Figure 2.14 L Æ R: Duke of Gloucester, Mudgee Show Society President 24 Geoffrey Cox, Duchess of Gloucester, Lois Cox (1946) Figure 2.15 The vice-regal Rolls Royce at the Mudgee Show with the Main 24 Pavilion in the background (1946) Figure 2.16 Tim Loneragan racing at the Mudgee Showground (circa 1930) – 25 facing north west. Source: Maitland Historical Society Inc. Figure 2.17 Showground from Flirtation Hill (circa 1907) – Facing East. Source: 26 Mudgee Historical Society Inc. Figure 2.18 The Mudgee Showground (1921) - facing north west. Source: 27 Mudgee Historical Society Inc. Figure 2.19 Southern end of the Mudgee Showground from Flirtation Hill - 27 facing south east. Source: Sue England, Mudgee Figure 2.20 Mudgee Showground from Flirtation Hill by H. G. McBurney (circa 28 1920s) - facing east. Source: Mudgee Historical Society Inc. Figure 2.21 Site Plan, showing approximate locations of vanished buildings on 28 the Mudgee Showground. Figure 2.22 Former caretaker’s cottage (1920s) 29 Figure 2.23 Former ladies’ toilets (1920s) 29
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Figure 2.24 Men’s toilet, left foreground, and earlier Douro Street entrance, 29 centre foreground (1920s) Figure 2.25 Conical-roofed sheep sheds 30 Figure 2.26 Austin’s Garage showground pavilion (1921) 31 Figure 2.27 Unknown pavilion (right) viewed from north-east across the old 31 arena (circa 1910) Figure 2.28 Unknown shed 31 Figure 2.29 Unknown shed 31 Figure 2.30 Pyramid-roofed structure 31 Figure 2.31 Northern facade of old grandstand 32 Figure 2.32 Eastern front of old grandstand 32 Figure 2.33 ‘1903’ Parish Map of Mudgee, showing the Mudgee Showground 33 Figure 3.1 Mudgee Agricultural Society Main Pavilion Debenture dated 1 December, 1910 and signed by the President V D Cox. Mudgee 36 Historical Society Figure 3.2 Main Pavilion northern façade – facing south east. Photo: J 39 Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.3 Main Pavilion northern facade. Detail of projecting upper gable 40 infills – facing south. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.4 Main Pavilion – Detail of window above the southern entrance 40 doors – facing north. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.5 Main Pavilion – internal roof structure over northern entrance door 41 – facing north. Source: Barnson Structural Inspection 2008. Figure 3.6 Goat Section – original eastern façade with central gable – facing 46 south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.7 Judging Ring – facing south west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 47 Figure 3.8 Sheep Pavilion Sheep 1 Section – eastern wing gable – facing 48 west. Photo: J.Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.9 Sheep Pavilion Sheep 1 Section - steel trusses and pens -facing 48 north west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.10 Sheep Pavilion Sheep 2 Section – timlber posts pens on the 50 perimeter, steel pens centrally – facing north. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.11 Wool Pavilion –showing the truck loading bay - facing south west. 51 Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.12 Wool Pavilion interior – showing the central sliding doors to the 51 Sheep 2 Section. – facing south. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.13 Wool Pavilion 1974 display case. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 52 Figure 3.14 Old Cattle Shed - southern end – facing North West. Photo: J 53 Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.15 Old Cattle Shed – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 53 Figure 3.16 A W (Bill) Cox MBE (circa 1980). Mudgee Historical Society 55 Figure 3.17 Cox Pavilion – northern façade – facing south west. Photo: J 55 Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.18 Cox Pavilion1930s Section interior – banks of cages lining 56 perimeter and centrally – facing north. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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Figure 3.19 Kitchen Dining - northern façade –facing south west. Photo: J 58 McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.20 Kitchen Dining Pavilion verandah -facing north east. Photo: J 58 McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.21 Kitchen Dining interior– Kitchen servery and pine table – facing 59 south. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.22 Grandstand – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 62 Figure 3.23 Grandstand – facing south east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 62 Figure 3.24 Grandstand - interior storage area – facing south. Photo: J 63 McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.25 Grandstand Secretary’s Office – corrugated steel raked ceiling - 63 facing south east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.26 Stallion Stables northern façade – facing south. Photo: J Broadley, 65 2009. Figure 3.27 Stallion Stables – structure and stall lining – facing south east. 65 Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.28 Pre 1920 Stables – eastern façade northern end – facing south 66 west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.29 Stables – early timber board partitioning between stalls – facing 67 North West. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.30 Stables -1970s Loose boxes – facing south west. Photo: J 67 McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.31 Brick Amenities – undated blue print plan for original eastern 69 section. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.32 Brick Amenities – northern façade – facing south. Photo: J 69 Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.33 The Bar – facing west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 71 Figure 3.34 Douro Street Gate with sheet steel fencing to the north and 72 Cyclone fencing on the south – facing east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Figure 3.35 Main Gate on Nicholson Street -facing south. Photo: J McMonnies, 73 2009. Figure 3.36 “1903” parish map of Mudgee, showing the Showground. Source: 75 Lands Dept. Figure 3.37 Small Farm Field Day 1988 Aerial View of the Mudgee 76 Showground. Source: Mudgee Master Plan Figure 3.38 New Cattle Shed. Source: J McMonnies, 2009. 76 Figure 3.39 Caretaker’s Cottage. John Broadley, 2009. 77 Figure 3.40 Gate House (Bld 1). Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 77 Figure 3.41 Animal Nursery. Westpac Farmyard Nursery (Bld 6). Photo: J 78 Broadley, 2009. Figure 3.42 Woodworkers Aquila Pavilion (Bld 5). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 78 Figure 3.43 Site Office (Bld 4). Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 79 Figure 3.44 Canteen (Bld 17). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 79 Figure 3.45 Pony Club (Bld 23). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 79 Figure 3.46 Pony Club Shed (Bld 24). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 80 Figure 3.47 New Amenities Block (Bld 20). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 80
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Figure 3.48 Turret Bell. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 81 Figure 3.49 Pine Table. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 81 Figure 3.50 Secretary’s Office Table Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 82 Figure 3.51 President Honour Board. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. 82 Figure 3.52 Upright Display Cabinet Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 82 Figure 3.53 Shallow Display Cabinet. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 83 Figure 3.54 Metal Towers. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. 84 Figure 6.1 Mudgee Showground Significant Buildings. Source: Mudgee Show 99 Society. Figure 6.2 Mudgee Showground Master Plan Recommendations. Source: 100 Ross Planning. Figure 6.3 Mid-Western Regional Council’s Show Management Committee 101 October 2009 Draft Plan. Source: Mid-Western Regional Council Figure 8.1 Preventative Maintenance Chart, How Buildings Learn, by Stewart 122 Brand Figure A2.1 Harold Hardwick, outside his home, Spenfield, in Lewis Street, A2-1 Mudgee (circa 1930) Figure A2.2 Section of the northern elevation of Shenstone, Lawson Street, A2-2 Mudgee, drawn by Harold Hardwick Figure A3.1 Map of Allotment 1 of Section 66 of the Town and Parish of A3-1 Mudgee Figure A5.1 Mudgee Showground Topographic Survey (in part). Source: R J Crooks & 139 Associates, Registered Surveyors, 29 September 2007
Figure A5.2 Kitchen/Dining Pavilion Kitchen Layout Plan A5-2 Figure A5.3 New Amenities Building –Floor Plan A5-3 Figure A5.4 New Amenities Building Floor Plan and A5-4 Elevation Figure A5.5 Wool Shed Extension Plan A5-5
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Commissioning and Objectives The Mid-Western Regional Council commissioned Conybeare Morrison International (CM+), to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the Mudgee Showground on 21 May 2009. This plan is intended to set the direction for the conservation management of the Mudgee Showground in the context of its role as an historic resource providing for a diversity of community needs and uses.
Figure 1.1 Location Map - Mudgee Showground. Source: UBD.
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Figure 1.2 Site Plan showing location of buildings.
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1.2 Location, Property Description and Study Area Mudgee Showground is located to the south of the town centre, immediately to the east of Flirtation Hill, a Crown Reserve dedicated for ‘Recreation’. The rectangular shaped site of 12.56 hectares is bounded by Nicholson Street to the north, Atkinson Street to the east, Madeira Road to the south and Douro Street to the west (see Figure 1.2). The land, DP7684, Section 66, with reference title Folio 150, Vol 4722 Folio 59, in the Parish of Toolamanang, County of Wellington, is a Crown Reserve (No R520010) dedicated at ‘Showground’ in the ownership Crown (State). The land is zoned 6(a) Open Space – Existing Recreation under the Shire of Mudgee LEP No 21. The study area is to the boundary of the Showground.
1.3 Authorship This report was prepared by Jennifer McMonnies, Senior Heritage Specialist, CM+, Sydney and John Broadly, of John Broadly, Historian, John Broadley Heritage Services, Mudgee.
1.4 Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the generous assistance received from the Mudgee and district community, particularly those that provided primary evidence, all of which significantly enhanced the historical record for this report. The outstanding support from the Mid-Western Regional Council Officers, Mudgee Show Society members and the Mudgee Librarians, was very much appreciated, in particular:
• Lea Marheine, Mid-Western Regional Council • Christo Aitken, Heritage Advisor, Mid-Western Regional Council • Barry Rhienberger, President, Mudgee Show Society • Gai Rayner, Mudgee Show Society Inc., Hargraves • Edna Strike, Mudgee Show Society Inc, Mudgee • Pat and Dot Birchall, Mudgee Show Society • James Loneragan, Mudgee • Marion Moore, Mudgee • Lindsay Warner, Mudgee • Nella Price, Mudgee Show Society Secretary • Barry Wells, Mudgee • Sue England, Mudgee Historical Society • Lesley Byfield Papworth, Mudgee • Max Roth, Mudgee
1.5 Methodology The methodology used in this report is in accordance with the principles and definitions as set out in the guidelines to the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (The Burra Charter). The methodology is based on The NSW Heritage Office Manual documents Investigating Heritage Significance, Assessing Heritage Significance and the Heritage Council Conservation Management Plan Guidelines.
The historic outline contained in this report provides sufficient background for an assessment of the place and relevant recommendations.
1.6 Limitations As is the case with all documents, this report has a number of limitations. Primary research into the records of the early Mudgee Show Society and minutes of the former voluntary Mudgee
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Showground Trust was not possible due to their loss through misadventure. Aboriginal and European Archaeological Assessments, Aboriginal and European Community Consultation and Landscape Assessments were outside the scope of works of this report.
To date the 19th Century Lands Office archive box has not been located at the NSW Government Archives. Further investigation may locate these records which may contain valuable information. Time and funding limitations prevented further historic research in this area.
1.7 Abbreviations
ASL Above Sea Level b. birth BCA Building Code of Australia CMP Conservation Management Plan CM+ Conybeare Morrison International d. death DDA Disability Discrimination Act c. circa MWRC Mid-Western Regional Council MudL Mudgee Library MSS Mudgee Show Society Inc LEP Local Environment Plan ML Mitchell Library NSW RAS Royal Agricultural Show, Sydney SHR State Heritage Register SoS Statement of Significance
1.8 Heritage Status Mudgee Showground is in a Conservation Area on Mid-Western Regional Council’s Interim Local Environmental Plan 2008. The Conservation Area covers the early town of Mudgee. The Mudgee Showground is not listed as a separate item on the interim LEP 2008, nor is it listed on other heritage lists.
The recommended heritage list in the Mudgee Heritage Study 1985, prepared by Hughes Trueman Ludlow Consulting Engineers, was incorporated into a Community Heritage Study, commenced by Mudgee Shire Council, in the early 2000s. This in turn informed the Heritage List in the Mid-Western Regional Interim Local Environmental Plan 2008.
1.9 Nomenclature The Mudgee Show Society has undergone many name changes through amalgamation and legislative changes.
From 1846 to 1860 the Show Society was known as Mudgee Pastoral and Agricultural Association; from 1861 to 1881 it was known as Mudgee Agricultural and Horticultural Association. Due to the amalgamation of the two competing Mudgee show associations in 1881 the name was changed to Mudgee Agricultural Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association, although at times it was referred to as the Mudgee Agricultural Association. The name was again changed to the Mudgee Show Society and incorporated in the late 1900s.
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To avoid confusion throughout the report, except in the historical background, the show society is referred to as the Mudgee Show Society.
1.10 Terminology The following terms used in this report are defined in the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (The Burra Charter).
Adaptation means modifying a place to suit proposed compatible uses.
Compatible use means a use that respects the cultural significance and involves no change to the culturally significant fabric, changes that are substantially reversible, or changes that require minimal impact.
Conservation means all the processes of looking after the place so as to retain its cultural significance.
Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations.
Fabric means all the physical material of the place.
Integrity/intactness is the ability of the place or object to demonstrate its heritage significance through the extent of features retained from its significant period, design, use or associations.
Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place.
Maintenance means the continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place and is to be distinguished from recent repairs and includes restoration or reconstruction
Reconstruction is only appropriate where a place is incomplete through damage or alteration, and only where there is sufficient evidence to reproduce an earlier state of the fabric. Reproduction should be identifiable on close inspection.
Restoration means returning the EXISTING fabric or place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of a new material.
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2.0 History
2.1 Landform, Layout and Landscape
National Theme Tracing the Natural Evolution of Australia State Theme Environment – Naturally Evolving Local Theme Environment – Naturally Evolving
Mudgee is a town of circa 10,000 inhabitants in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. The town is situated on the Cudgegong River which flows through Lakes Windermere and Burrendong and is a tributary of the Macquarie River. The town, the seat of the Mid-Western Regional Council, is at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level.
The Mudgee Showground is located south of the Wallerawang to Gwabegar railway line, and comprises all of Section 66, DP 758721 of the town of Mudgee. The site is bounded by Nicholson Street to the north, by Atkinson Street to the east, by Madeira Road to the south (which was originally a boundary between the two now-superseded local government authorities of the municipality of Mudgee to the north and the municipality and later shire of Cudgegong to the south) and by Douro Street to the west. The site consists of 3 portions of land (Lots 1, 2 and 3), dedicated in 1881, 1893 and 1904 respectively.
The south-western corner of the showground site has the highest elevation, with a gradual drop towards the north-western corner. The low lying south eastern corner was described in 1903 as a ‘deep wash’ which extended to almost completely covered the 10.1.38 acres of Lot 3 dedicated as showground in 1904 (see Figure 2.33. This deep wash is now predominantly an open channel, adjacent to the eastern boundary. The channel directs storm water from the now populous Mudgee South urban area to the Cudgegong River below the CBD. The creek was a continual problem in the early 20th Century when the Show Committee had to spend 60 pounds ’filling up the creek’ to make the trotting track, then flooding regularly damaged the trotting track.1
All buildings are located on the higher western side of the large arena. The building layout has had evolved over time, reflecting the original land grants. The earliest pavilions on the north on Lot 1, followed by the first Grandstand and pavilions to the south on Lot 2. The two areas were at show time separated by the carnival area.
The extent and nature of the pre contact native vegetation has not been established, however newspaper reports in 1880s do not mention the need to clear the land for the showground, so the land was probably cleared prior to this date. Photographic evidence indicates that by the1907 the pavilions were interspersed with pines. None of these pines remain but by 1920s McBurney photograph some of the current Eucalypts appear to have been planted along the northern boundary (see Figures2.20). As extensive work was carried out at the Showground during the 1950s, it is likely many of the current mature trees on the site were planted around this time.
The Showground, one of many public recreation grounds in the town, is complemented to the immediate west by another public recreation area commonly known as Flirtation Hill (“Flirty”), proclaimed for public recreation on 18th January 1887.
1 Mudgee Guardian 30 March 1914
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By c.1900 Flirtation Hill was relatively desolate, perhaps due to zealous clearing for firewood by Mudgee town residents in the 1800s. Later fenced and used for depasturing horses, it was eventually planted with bushes, then the current numerous pines on the eastern slopes. The western portion has been progressively developed for housing since the 1990s.
1 Figure 2.1 Portion of a map of the LEP for the Mid-Western Regional Council, showing the site of the showground and the adjoining public reserve of Flirtation Hill
2.2 Original Owners
National Theme Peopling Australia State Theme Aboriginal Cultures and Interactions with Other Cultures Local Theme Aboriginal Cultures and Interactions with Other Cultures
The traditional owners in the Mudgee district are the Wiradjuri, one of the largest linguistic groups in New South Wales, whose territory extended from near Cassilis to the north-east of Mudgee, to the Darling River in the west, to the Murray River in the south and to the Great Dividing Range on the east. Although their numbers may not have been extensive at any given time, over tens of thousands of years of occupation the Wiradjuri have left behind extensive traces of their use of the land through residence, hunting, industry and artistic expression.
The lifestyle of the Wiradjuri was changed forever by the arrival of Europeans in the district in 1821. Initial contact was friendly but inevitably clashes occurred, often resulting in casualties for both Europeans and Aborigines. A period of martial law was declared in the Bathurst and Mudgee districts in 1824 which led to further bloodshed. Subsequently, a combination of massacres, introduced diseases, alcoholism, a breakdown in tribal life and a declining birth rate
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led to the decimation of Aborigines in the greater Mudgee district by the end of the 19th Century.
Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell gave instruction to his surveyors to note the native names of the places as they were carrying out their work. These names assisted the early settlers in identification of the place or obtaining directions from the Aboriginals when they ventured into unknown territory. Australia was the first country in the world to give priority in naming places to indigenous people.2 What the Aboriginals allegedly called ‘Moothi’ was ultimately corrupted to Mudgee.3
While the names of streets in the town of Mudgee are largely European in origin, in more recent years the Mudgee Shire Council and its successor, the Mid-Western Regional Council, have adopted names of local Aboriginal origin for some streets. However, many place names, property names and Parish names in the Mudgee district have names of Aboriginal origin, although the meanings of the names are not always clear: Meroo, Burrundulla, Biraganbil, Guntawang, Putta Bucca, Wilbetree, Eurunderee, Wallinga, Broombee, Goree, Wollar, Munna, Burrendong and Mullamuddy to name a few.
Indigenous Footprint on the Site In October 2009 the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Aboriginal Planner reported that non indigenous heritage study has been done on the showground site. However, Flirtation Hill, adjacent and to the west of the showground, may well have been used as a vantage point by the local Wiradjuri, while the site would have undoubtedly been well traversed by the local Wiradjuri as they travelled to and from the Cudgegong River nearby to the north which would have been a source of fish and its banks a source of game and a place for congregation. The low-lying wash area on the eastern boundary of the showground appears to have once been more extensive and like all rivers, lakes, creeks and ponds has the potential for Aboriginal artefacts.
In 2006 the then NSW Heritage Office Aboriginal Officer, Rick Shapter, advised that all showgrounds are potentially of social significance for Aboriginal people. When visiting towns members of the community often sought shelter at showgrounds. At show time young Aboriginal men were always most eager to try their prowess against Showman Jimmy Sharman’s experienced, seasoned and wily team’ of boxers and wrestlers for both prize money and prestige.
Boxing tents were a feature of country and city shows until 1971, when most Australian states introduced protective laws which banned boxers from fighting more than once a week, and imposed a mandatory one month sabbatical on any fighter knocked down for the count. Only the Northern Territory continues to permit boxing tents.
Jimmy Sharman discovered a promising young boxer, Bob Tuite from Mudgee in the 1930s.4 Bob Tuite was a featherweight boxer active in Sydney during the late 1930s. During 1940s he was briefly Australian champion of the featherweight division. By the mid 1950s he had established his own troupe ‘Bob Tuites Boxing Troupe’ that included mainly Aboriginal boxers. The troupe’s boxing tent banner, dated 1952 – 1955 is held by the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.5
2 Dormer, Marion, Dubbo: City on the Plains, Macquarie Pub. 1901-1988, Macquarie Pub., 1981 P16 3 Allegedly meaning ‘nest in the hills’. 4 The Argus (Melbourne) 28 September, 1939 5 http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=370934As
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2.3 Original Settlers
National Theme Building Settlements, Towns and Cities State Theme Towns, Suburbs and Villages Local Theme Settlements
The Blue Mountains were crossed in 1813 by Gregory Blaxland (1778-1853), William Lawson (1774-1850) and William Charles Wentworth (790-1872) which was followed by the construction of a road over the mountains and settlement at Bathurst in 1815. In late 1821 James Blackman (c.1792-1868) set out towards the north-west from Bathurst, ultimately reaching the Cudgegong River and travelling to a point south-east of the future town site of Mudgee. After his return William Lawson, then the commandant at Bathurst, retraced Blackman’s path, but progressed further into the district than Blackman. Realising the grazing potential of the lush Cudgegong Valley pastures, he persuaded brothers George and Henry Cox to join him in occupying land in the area. In February 1822 the Cox brothers brought cattle to Mudgee and settled at Munna (now Menah), to the west of the town site. William Lawson ultimately acquired extensive grants on the northern side of the Cudgegong River, while the Cox brothers acquired numerous grants opposite on the southern bank, upstream and downstream from the town site.
Figure 2.2 William Lawson MLC, Mudgee pioneer
Over the next 15 years, much of the prime Mudgee district land along the Cudgegong River and Lawson Creek, a tributary of the Cudgegong, was taken up by a handful of prominent colonial landholders such as Richard Rouse, Robert Lowe, Nelson Simmons Lawson (a son of William Lawson), Henry Bayly (a son-in-law of William Lawson), William Bowman and William Hayes. Early European settlement in the district was concentrated on pastoral properties established by the pioneer landholders, largely managed by overseers and convicts on behalf of their absentee owners. The town of Mudgee, located on the southern bank of the Cudgegong River and surrounded by grants to George Cox (1795-1868) to the west and east, was not gazetted until early 1838 and land was released later that year for sale by public auction.
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The pioneer families were strong supporters of an agricultural show, especially the extended family of William Lawson: his son Nelson Simmons Lawson, and his daughters Mesdames Bayly, Bettington and Hallen. Along with pioneer names like Cox, Rouse and Lowe their names figure in the membership in the early days of agricultural shows, and as sponsors and prize winners. The Cox family of Burrundulla has had an especially long association with the show, with three generations of family members – George Henry (1824-1901), Vincent Dowling (1835-1903) and Geoffrey – serving as Show Society president from the 1850s to the 1940s.
The town progressed slowly until the discovery of gold at Louisa Creek, now Hargraves, in 1851. Subsequently, the town boomed as a service centre and departure point for the goldfields surrounding the town. The town still relied heavily on pastoralism – sheep, cattle, wheat and lucerne – long after the gold petered out in the 1880s and well into the 20th Century.
The year 1860 was significant in the development of Mudgee town and district, as the municipality of Mudgee and the municipality of Cudgegong, which surrounded the town of Mudgee, were proclaimed. Intense rivalry between these adjoining local government areas was not always productive.
Soldier settlement after the First and Second World Wars saw larger properties reduced in size. Dairying and vegetable growing disappeared in the second half of the 20th Century which also saw the re-emergence of the local wine industry and the commencement of coal mining on a large scale. Farming was diversified by the further subdivision of larger grazing properties in to 25 acre hobby farms from the 1970s.
The town of Mudgee has continued to prosper due to the district’s diverse economy, buoyed by wineries, coal mining and the increasingly important tourism industry. Although now no longer dominant, agriculture and pastoralism are nevertheless essential components of the local economy.
2.4 History of the Showground Sites in Mudgee
National Theme Building Settlements, Towns and Villages State Theme Land Tenure Local Theme Land Tenure
2.4.1 Previous Showground Sites
Robertson Park (formerly Market Square) The first show society, the Mudgee Pastoral and Agricultural Association, was formed in 1846 and functioned until at least 1860, with shows staged in Market Square, now Robertson Park (See Appendix 1 and Figure 2.3). Market Square was virtually the equivalent of an English village green and, as its name infers, was also used for markets. Bounded by Market Street to the north, Douro Street to the west, and Perry Street to the east, the street to its south was originally called Market Lane; it was later called Robertson Street, then Lovejoy Street, as it remains today. This area was only developed as a public park in the early 1900s; previously it was relatively sparsely planted. The eastern end once housed Mudgee Bowling Club whose former premises are now used as a pre-school.
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Figure 2.3 Market Square, now Robertson Park, the site of the first Mudgee Show on 22 April, 1846.
Putta Bucca Estate The first show under a new show society, the Mudgee Agricultural and Horticultural Association, was allegedly held in 1861 at the Lawson family’s Putta Bucca estate (see Figure 2.5). Situated to the north of the town on the opposite side of the Cudgegong River, the Putta Bucca estate was a 2000 acre grant to Mudgee pioneer Lt William Lawson and had been the Mudgee residence of his youngest son Nelson Simmons Lawson. It ultimately passed to the latter’s youngest son Charles William Lawson, and remained in the ownership of the Lawson family until just prior to WWI.
Figure 2.4 Lawson family's Putta Bucca homestead (circa 1860).
Putta Bucca homestead, much extended, still exists on the north-western outskirts of the town which has gradually encroached upon the once-extensive Putta Bucca estate (see Figure 2.4).
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The show at Putta Bucca was most likely staged down on the river flats to the west of the homestead, below the junction of the Cudgegong River and Lawson Creek. The Lawson family, keen horse breeders, staged the first race meeting in Mudgee there in 1842.6 For a period until the 1990s this paddock was the site of Mudgee town tip.
Figure 2.5 Part of the Putta Bucca estate in the Parish of Bumberra in the County of Phillip, with the conjectural site of the 1861 show indicated.
Burrundulla Estate In 1862 brothers George Henry and Archibald Bell Cox, two of the sons of Mudgee pioneer George Cox, offered the lease of 7 acres of the Burrundulla estate of a peppercorn rent at sixpence per year for 99 years for use as a showground (see Figure 2.6).7 This land was situated to the west of the current Burrundulla homestead and to the south of the junction of Horatio Street and the Sydney Road. This area was later known as Love’s farm and is now largely a light industrial area occupied by numerous small factories and businesses.
Figure 2.6 The location of the third showground site on part of the Cox family’s Burrundulla estate, used as a showground from 1862 until the early 1880s.
6 Mudgee Guardian 14 October 2005 7 Gala Day Mudgee Guardian, 10 March 1910
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2.4.2 Current Showground Site Throughout the 1870s extensive lobbying focused on extending a branch of the western railway line from Sydney to Mudgee. A persuasive local member, Sir John Robertson, Premier of New South Wales during some of his years as Mudgee’s parliamentary representative, facilitated the approval of funds for the line’s construction. After much heated discussion between the municipalities of Mudgee and Cudgegong as to the approach to Mudgee and the location of the railway station, the final decision meant that the line would cut through the showground site at Burrundulla. This decision, and the fact that the existing site was too small and considered unsuitable, necessitated a search for an alternative site. Application was made to the Minister of Lands for a grant and subsequently vacant land in Section 66 of the town of Mudgee, about one kilometre further west of the Burrundulla site, was dedicated in 1881 for “the use and general purposes of the …. Mudgee Agricultural Society” of which George Henry 8 Cox, Robert Lowe and William Wilton were trustees (see Appendix 3).
The current site is believed to have first been used as the venue for the second show of the Mudgee Agricultural Society in 1883.9
Land in Section 66 was dedicated in three stages:
1st Stage 14th October 1881: 12 acres and 19 perches, located in the north-western corner of Section 66 and, somewhat diplomatically, close to the boundary with the Municipality of Cudgegong. 2nd Stage 13th November 1893: 8 acres, 3 roods and 15 perches, in the south-western corner of Section 66, adjacent to the intersection of Douro Street and Madeira Road. 3rd Stage 5th November 1904: 10 acres 1 rood and 38 perches, constituting the eastern portion of Section 66, bounded by Atkinson Street, Nicholson Street and Madeira Road. This meant that Section 66 in its entirety, totalling 31 acres 1 rood and 32 perches or almost 31.5 acres (circa 12.8 hectares), was now dedicated as a showground; this area remains unchanged to this day (see Figure 2.7).
Figure 2.7 Portion of a map of the town of Mudgee, showing the current showground site.
8 Torrens Title Volume 561 Folio 150. 9 Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 26th July 1883
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2.5 Management of Showground
National Theme Building Settlements, Towns and Villages State Theme Land Tenure Local Theme Land Tenure
Like many showgrounds and other public spaces, the showground site is Crown Land. Prior to 1980 the management of the showground was controlled by a voluntary community Trust, usually show society members and other interested parties appointed by the Lands Department. According to Show Society President A. W. Cox in his preamble to the 1983 Centenary Mudgee Show booklet, ‘lack of funding limited development of the showground’.10 In 1980 the Mudgee Shire Council took over management of the showground with the assistance of a committee which initially comprised a Council representative and representatives from the Show Society, the Field Days, horse users and sheep breeders. This Showground Management Committee was disbanded in 2006 and a new Showground Management Committee was set up, as a Section 355 Committee of Council under the umbrella of the Cultural and Community Services Committee. This committee is comprised of elected councillors, council management personnel, Show Society members and members of the general community.
In 2008 the Mid-Western Regional Council commissioned Ross Planning Pty Ltd of Manly, Queensland, to compile a Mudgee Showground Master Plan to consider the future uses of the site.
2.6 Mudgee Show Society Inc
National Theme Developing Australia’s Cultural Developing Local, Regional and Life National Economies State Theme Social Institution Pastoral, Agriculture Local Theme Social Institution Agricultural Associations
The first Show Society meeting in Mudgee was held on 22 April 1846 at Reserve Square. It is the second oldest show society in New South Wales after Hawkesbury Show Society established in 184511 and the first show society established west of the Great Dividing Range.12 The show society was established four years after the first race meeting in Mudgee and sixteen years prior to the Municipality of Mudgee and the Municipality of Cudgegong being gazetted. Its success in raising the standards of the rural industry played a vital role in the development and growth of Mudgee. In 1913 it was reported that of ’all public movements that make the advancement of the district, the Agricultural Society is undoubtedly the most important’.13
In the long history of shows in Mudgee, there have been several successive name changes and organisations responsible for their administration:
Mudgee Pastoral and Agricultural Association According to George Henry Frederick Cox (b. 1858) “the shows held in the district prior to 1861 were got up by subscription, the same as the races”.14 Although the committee of this first show society – the Mudgee Pastoral and Agricultural Association – was dominated by the district’s
10 Mudgee Show Centenary Booklet 1883 – 1983. 11 http://www.hawkesburyshow.com.au/history.asp. accessed 26 October, 2009 12 Mant, G. Show People, Agricultural Societies Council of NSW, pp95 13 Mudgee Guardian 6 January 1913 14 Cox, G H F, History of Mudgee , p54
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pioneer pastoralists, the subscribers, who donated a variety of amounts, were a relatively mixed social group.
An unpublished history of Mudgee (circa 1910), whose authorship is generally attributed to George Henry Frederick Cox, eldest son of George Henry Cox of Burrundulla, contains extensive notes on the development of agricultural associations in the district.15
‘The first meeting of the Mudgee Pastoral and Agricultural Association was held at the pens erected for the occasion on the Market reserve on Wednesday the 22nd April, 1846, and was numerously and very respectably attended. The cattle exhibited were of the finest description, and we are of opinion that no district in the colony could produce any superior. After the Judges had decided the respective prizes, the company partook of an excellent luncheon in a tent near the ground, where, honoured by the presence of most of the ladies of the district the greatest unanimity and good feeling prevailed.
The members of the committee were Messrs Robert Lowe, Henry Bayly, N.P. Bayly, Edwin Rouse, G.H. Cox, and W.W. Lowe who was honorary secretary and treasurer.
The monetary subscribers were Reverend J. Gunther, Messrs William Lawson MLC, William Bowman MLC, Robert Lowe, W. Lowe, G.H. Cox, Henry Bayly, C.B. Lowe, and J.W Lowe £2 each. James Walker, Edward Cox, A. Brown, C.G.J. Chauvel, Richard Birrell, John Blackstone, George Tailby, George Bloodsworth, Archibald Cameron, Andrew Dunn, Joseph Johnston, William Blaxland, W.E. Sampson, Edwin Rouse, George Rouse, F.W. Jackson, W. Lewis, T. Spicer, R. Hassall, W. Hipkins, James Bruce, and Captain Bayliss £1 each. Mathew Doyle, G. Brown, R. Jackson, William Robinson, and James Pantin 10/- each and George Gibbs 5/-. Total £44-15-0.
Schedule of Prizes £4 For the best pen of 5 fine woolled rams £4 For the best pen of 5 fine woolled ewes £4 For the best three year old bull any breed £2 For the best two year old bull any breed £2 For the best yearling bull any breed £3 For the best 3 year old heifer any breed £2 For the best cow with calf by her side £1 For the best conditioned beast for the butcher any age £4 For the best 3 year old blood stallion £3 For the best 3 year old coaching stallion £3 For the best 3 year old cart stallion £3 For the best filly any age £2 For the best 2 year old filly £2 For the best cart mare any aye with foal at foot £1 For the best boar pig 10/- For the best sow £1 For the best sample of wheat, not less than three bushels with certificate of 50 bushels of same growth and quality £1 For the best sample of Maize conditions as above £1 For the best sample of Barley conditions as above £1 For the best sample of Oats conditions as above
15 Ibid, pp 52-54. I have taken the liberty to edit and abridge these notes, where appropriate, to avoid confusion.
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10/- For the best sample of tallow, sample 2 cwt 10/- For the best sample of casks made in the district either for tallow or provisions £3 For the best ploughing with a team of two horses £3 For the best ploughing with a team of six oxen complete £1-10 For the second best ploughing with oxen if four teams complete £3 For a shepherd producing from his employer certificate of having reared up to weaning time the greatest proportionate number of lambs to his flock of ewes, flock, not less than 500 £2 For the second number, same conditions £1 For the third number equal to the number of ewes £2 For the servant who has remained longest in the hired service of one master, with certificate of good behaviour during the period £1-10/- For the second ditto’
Mudgee Agricultural and Horticultural Association In early 1861 a new society – the Mudgee Agricultural and Horticultural Association – was founded on the basis of annual membership. The first show under the new society was held at the Lawson family’s Putta Bucca estate at Mudgee on the 24th May 1861 (see Figure 2.8).
From 1862 until the early 1880s the show was staged on a seven acre portion of land leased from the Cox family and located west of the present Burrundulla homestead.
In 1867 the issue of staging industrial exhibits in conjunction with the show was discussed, and while agreed to in principle by the show society its rules didn’t cater for awarding prizes for same. It seems that this issue may not have been dealt with subsequently, for ultimately an opposition show society was formed.
Figure 2.8 Part of the 1861 Mudgee Show booklet.
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Mudgee District Farmers’ & Free Selectors’ Association and Horticultural and Industrial Union In 1878 dissatisfaction with the existing show society led to the formation in of an opposition show society – the Mudgee District Farmers’ & Free Selectors’ Association and Horticultural & Industrial Union – which staged a show in 1879 (see Figure 2.9. The elongated name of the breakaway show society suggests that it represented small farmers and tradesmen, as opposed to the existing society which was no doubt still dominated by the district’s leading landed families and which was known for being ‘starchy and not being liberal.’16 But class warfare does not seem to have been the case, for the landed gentry was well-represented among the judges and entrants in the new society’s show. The 1879 program suggests that this society was, however, more inclusive and was not restricted to purely pastoral and agricultural exhibits. It is not known whether this breakaway society also had use of the Burrundulla showground, but it was reported as being ‘very successful’.17 With 14 sections, the new society appears to have established the format for the Mudgee Show to the present day:
Section I Horses Section II Cattle Section III Sheep Section IV Pigs Section V Dogs Section VI Poultry Section VII Farm and Dairy Produce Section VIII Horticultural Section IX Manufactures: wine, syrup, water, vinegar, jams, jellies, candied fruit, dried fruit, tobacco, beer, bread, biscuits, confectionery, curatives Section X Farm Machinery: carts, wheels, firearms, sewing machines Section XI Industrial: buggies, carts, horse shoes, horse harnesses, saddles, bridles, boots and shoes, needlework, embroidery and lace bookbinding, furniture, taxidermy, jewellery, brooms Section XII School Exhibits Section XIII Fine Arts Section XIV Mining, Minerals, and Building Materials: quartz, bricks, lime
16 Brisbane Courier, 31st July 1878, p. 6 17 The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser, Thursday, 26th July 1883, p. 3
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Figure 2.9 Show schedule for the opposition show society, Farmers & Free Selectors Association and Horticultural & Industrial Union (1879)
It is interesting to note that in 1880 yet another little-reported show society – the Mudgee 18 Horticultural and Poultry Society – held a show in 1880 in the Mechanics Institute. It is not known how long this Society functioned.
Amalgamation of Show Societies It was readily evident that it was impractical to have competing show societies and consequently a decision was made in late 1880 to attempt to amalgamate the Mudgee Agricultural and Horticultural Association and the Mudgee District Farmers’ & Free Selectors’ Association and Horticultural & Industrial Union. Amalgamation occurred in early 1881 and the first show of the new Show Society was held later that year. No show was held in 1882 due to the poor season but by late 1882 plans were underway to move to the new show ground.
Mudgee Agricultural Society / Mudgee Agricultural Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association Confusingly, newspaper reports and identical prize certificates attest that the new Show Society appeared to be known as the Mudgee Agricultural Society and as the Mudgee Agricultural Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association (see Figure 2.10 and 2.11). Although the Mudgee Agricultural Society was the more universally-used name, the name Mudgee Agricultural Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association ultimately reigned supreme by the 1930s.
18 The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser, Tuesday, 9th November 1880, p. 3
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Figure 2.10 Prize certificate from the Mudgee Figure 2.11 Prize certificate from the Mudgee APH&IA (1909) Agricultural Society (1911)
In 1983 the Mudgee Centenary Show (1883 – 1983), held to commemorate 100 years of the show on site, was opened by Air Marshall Sir James Rowland, Governor of New South Wales.
Mudgee Show Society Inc In the late 1900s the Show Society became an incorporated body and the name Mudgee Agricultural Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association (APHIA) was changed to the Mudgee Show Society Ltd. The Society has offices and storage space under the grandstand.
2.7 Annual Shows
National Theme Developing Regional and National Economies State Theme Events Local Theme Holding Annual Shows
The Show Societies in New South Wales are grouped into regions and the show circuit for each region is planned to provide both the Showmen and exhibitors a rational route around the region. The Mudgee Show is in a circuit of local shows in the Castlereagh region, with the Rylstone-Kandos Show being held in the preceding week and the Gulgong Show being held in the following week. For many years the Mudgee Show has been held in the first week of March and more recently on the first Friday and Saturday in March, although previously the show started earlier in the week, and at times it was also held on a Sunday. The dates for the Bathurst Show, only 130 km from Mudgee but in the Central West region, have been changed and will from 2009 regrettably clash with the Mudgee Show, impacting considerably on the latter particularly in the livestock and horticultural sections.19
19 Gai Rayner, telephone November 2009 with J McMonnies
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The Mudgee Show is now a more versatile event, with numerous sections comprising horses, sheep, alpaca, goats, cattle, dogs, wool, horticulture, home brew, farm and garden, photography, pigeons and poultry, pottery, woodworking, needlework and cooking. In addition numerous novelty events are staged to attract the whole family, while sideshows and amusement rides are now a significant part of shows.
The Mudgee Show Society Inc has its own website: www.mudgeeshow.org.au/
Miss Showgirl and Mr Showman The Miss Showgirl competition has been held for many years, while the Mr Showman competition is a more recent event. The winners have many official and informal duties with the Mudgee Show Society, while the Showgirl continues on to Sydney to compete in ‘Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition’ sponsored by The Land newspaper. In 2008 Junior Showgirl and Showman categories between the ages of 14 and 17 were introduced. Contestants are judged on personality, confidence, ambition and life goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech, knowledge of their local community and current affairs, and their involvement in, and experience of, rural affairs. 20
A highlight of the Miss Showgirl tradition in Mudgee was when the 1993 Miss Mudgee Showgirl, Sarah Wilson, was the winner of the Miss National Showgirl title in 1993 (see Figure 2.12). In 1994 Sarah was invited to be the special guest to open the Mudgee Show.
Figure 2.12 1994 Show Society President A. W. Cox and 1994 Miss Mudgee Showgirl Emma Kearins (left) and 1993 Miss Mudgee Showgirl and 1993 Miss National Showgirl Sarah Wilson (right)
20 http://www.mudgeeshow.org.au/showgirl-showman.htm
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2.8 Community Contributions
National Theme Developing Regional and National Economies State Theme Events Local Theme Holding Annual Shows
2.8.1 Local Community Contributions The Mudgee Show Society Inc is a volunteer organization whose members work tirelessly year round to stage a successful annual Show. Many members have often served in more than one executive position, while many families have given outstanding service over several generations. Some members have also served on the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society, while others have been involved with the preparation of the Western District agricultural exhibit at the Royal Easter Show.
Royal Agricultural Society Council (RAS) Various members of the White family of Havilah and Havilah North at Mudgee, of a branch of the prominent Hunter Valley and New England pastoral White family, have served as Mudgee Show Society committee members or as supporters and have also served on the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society at various times: the late David White, his brother P. Denis White AM, RAS Ringmaster, and his sister Di Coombes (a Show Society patron), her nephew Tom Coombes, and David’s wife Jacqueline and eldest son Hunter.
Generations of Service Three generations of the prominent Cox family of Burrundulla at Mudgee, descendants of the builder of the first road over the Blue Mountains, William Cox (1764-1837), have served as President of various Mudgee Show Societies: George Henry Cox MLA(1795-1868) (see Figure 2.13) and MLC, his son Vincent Dowling Cox (1835-1903), and his grandson Geoffrey Cox. In addition, George Henry Cox had served as a committee member in 1846 on the first Mudgee Show Society, the Mudgee Pastoral and Agricultural Association. In the late 1970s Michael Cox, a son of Geoffrey Cox, was instrumental in establishing the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days which was initially housed at the Mudgee Showground from1977 to 1996.
Figure 2.13 George Henry Cox, MHR and MLC, long-term President of Mudgee Show Societies
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Extensive Service
A W (Bill) Cox The late A. W. (Bill) Cox MBE (d. 2002) joined the Show Society in the 1940s, was Secretary from 1956 to 1969, President from 1970-1975, 1979-1980, 1982 and 1987-1994 and also a long-serving local government councillor for which he was awarded an MBE. A keen poultry exhibitor and judge, the Cox Poultry Pavilion at Mudgee Showground was named in his memory in 2003. 21. . His wife, the late Nita Cox, was also a long-serving member of the Show Society, serving as a committee member and Secretary, often in conjunction with her husband’s role as President
Roland Taylor Until his death in the 1960s the late Roland Taylor, apiarist, was associated with the Mudgee Show for several decades and became a Life Member of the Show Society. He also regularly exhibited at the Royal Easter Show where he and his daughter Edna (now Strike) were also involved in preparing the Western District exhibit.
Patrons Greg Cox, Ron Menchin, Pat and Dot Birchall and Di Coombes, all long involved with the Mudgee Show Society, are currently the Patrons.
Greg Cox is a Patron and Life Member of the Mudgee Show Society. He has been a great contributor to the Mudgee Show Society for over 40 years as a supporter and committee member.
Ron Menchin is a Patron and Life Member for the past 16 years. Ron’s outstanding contribution to the Show Society included organizing the Main Pavilion, Produce displays and the Animal Pavilion at the Show.
Pat and Dot Birchall are Patrons and have been Life Members of the Show Society since 1974. Pat ran the Animal Nursery at the Royal Easter Show for some 30 years, was a foundation member of the Mudgee Poultry Club (1946) and served as President for 25 years, while Dot was Secretary for 33 years.
Di Coombes is a Patron in recognition of her contribution to the Goat section at the Show, both in organizing of judges and exhibits and adapting the former Pig Pavilion to house goat exhibition.
Long-Serving Members The Mudgee Show Society has many life-long Mudgee residents as members who have regularly attended and supported the Mudgee Show. For example: Edna Strike (nee Taylor), daughter of prominent apiarist Roland Taylor, has until recently attended the Mudgee Show and is a life-long member and supporter. Max Rayner senior, grazier of Greatly at Hargraves via Mudgee, has similarly been a life-long member and supporter of the Mudgee Show. Founder of the noted Greatly superfine merino flock, Max Rayner Senior has won many awards at the Mudgee Show and throughout the nation for his sheep and wool.
21 Bill Cox Honoured at Show, Mudgee Guardian 4 March, 2003
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Local Business Support The Mudgee Show is supported by corporate sponsors and numerous locally-based businesses ranging through Gold (Country Energy), Silver (Mid-Western Regional Council), Bronze (Health 24-7, The Royal Hotel at Hill End, McDonalds at Mudgee and Harvey Norman at Mudgee) and numerous General sponsorships.
Harold Robert Hardwick (1866 – 1935), Architect, the sole practising architect in the greater Mudgee district from the mid 1890s -1935 had a long association with the Showground. (see Appendix 2). In 1913 he was a committee member of the Mudgee Show Society and performed, with eight others, vocal and other items at the Society’s Smoke Concert on the Wednesday night of the 1913 Show.22 He was professionally involved with the Mudgee Show Society from 1900 when tenders were advertised for the Ladies Reception Room and Poultry 23 Coop and it is highly likely that he was also the architect responsible for the Main Pavilion and Sheep Pavilion (Goat and Sheep 2 sections.
2.8.2 Public Figures
Prominent Visitors to the Mudgee Show Over the years many prominent personalities, primarily political, vice-regal figures and foreign dignitaries such as ambassadors or high commissioners, have visited Mudgee to open the annual Mudgee Show, including:
1932 Sir Isaac Isaacs, Governor-General of Australia 1946 HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Governor-General of Australia 1971 Sir Paul Hasluck, Governor-General of Australia 1973 Gough Whitlam, MHR, Prime Minister of Australia 1974 Neville Wran, MLC, State Opposition leader 1983 Air Marshall Sir James Rowland, Governor of New South Wales 1993 Tim Fischer, MHR, Federal Leader of the National Party 1994 Sarah Wilson, Miss Mudgee Showgirl 1993 and Miss National Showgirl 1993
The most significant visitor to the Mudgee Show was Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900 – 1974), a son of King George V and Queen Mary, brother of King Edward VIII and King George VI, and uncle of Queen Elizabeth II. He served as Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia from 1945 until 1947. His wife, the former Lady Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott, a daughter of the 7th Duke of Buccleuch, accompanied him on the visit to Mudgee (see Figure 14 and 15). In celebration of the end of World War 2 in 1945, the 1946 Mudgee Show was called the ‘Victory Show’.
22 Mudgee Guardian, 10 March, 1913. 23 Mudgee Guardian 9 March 1900: Tenders called for erection of a ladies’ reception room and a poultry coop. Plans and specifications with Harold Hardwick, architect
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Figure 2.14 L Æ R: Duke of Gloucester, Mudgee Show Society President Geoffrey Cox, Duchess of Gloucester, Lois Cox (1946)
Figure 2.15 The vice-regal Rolls Royce at the Mudgee Show with the Main Pavilion in the background (1946)
2.9 Community Use of the Place
National Theme Developing Local, Regional and Developing Australia’s Cultural National Economies Life State Theme Pastoralism, Agriculture, Events Social Institution, Leisure, Sport Local Theme Pastoralism, Agriculture, Events Social Institution, Leisure, Sport
Along with Robertson Park, the venue for Anzac Day services, Victoria Park for sporting events and Australian Rural Education Centre (AREC) grounds, the Mudgee Showground is an important focal point for the Mudgee community. The showground is, however, a more versatile venue which caters for a wide variety of community uses, be it for social, recreational, sporting, agricultural, special interest groups, commercial or accommodation purposes. Over the years the showground has been used by numerous organizations for various events, some on a regular or annual basis, including:
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Former Use and Events • Trotting and harness racing • Military Camp for the Great War and possibly WW2. • Motor racing (see Figure 2.16) • The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days (1977 to 1996) • Campdrafting • Cycling • Junior Farmers • New South Wales Mounted Rifles • Cricket matches • Polo
Current Uses and Events • Camping ground for large groups eg. Ulysses motor bike AGM, cycling tours • Antique auctions • Swap meets • Gymnastics • Sheep shows/ram sales • Rodeos • Fire drills • Dog shows/training • Pony club and equestrian events • Horse stabling • Gemkhana: annual lapidary show • Cudgegong Valley Antique Machinery Club Rally, tractor pull, engine displays, etc • Conferences, meetings, functions • Poultry and Pigeon shows • Circus performances
Figure 2.16 Tim Loneragan racing at the Mudgee Showground (circa 1930) – facing north west. Source: Maitland Historical Society Inc.
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Lindsay Warner, lived on the site while growing up in the 1930s and 1940s, remembers that the grounds were always fenced, however, the gates were never locked or shut outside of show time and consequently many people used to camp for free inside the grounds. The eastern portion of the site, which was partly marshland, was leased privately for many years for depasturing cattle and horses.
In pp. 5 – 11 of the Mudgee Showground Master Plan February 2009 by Ross Pty Ltd a synopsis of the views of various and potential user groups of the Mudgee Showground site and other stakeholders, gauged after community consultation in 2008, is extensively discussed.
2.10 Historic Development on the Showground National Theme Developing Local, Regional and Developing Australia’s Cultural National Economies Life State Theme Pastoralism, Agriculture, Events Sport, Creative Endeavour, Leisure Local Theme Pastoralism, Agriculture, Holding Sport, Leisure, Architectural Works Annual Shows
Early development is reflected in the 1881, 1893 and 1904 allocation of land for a Showground on the current site. Early photographs and newspaper reports provide valuable evidence of this development.
2.10.1 Significant Archival Photographs Following are few known extant early photographs of the showground(Figures 2.17, 2.18, 2.19 and 2.20). Figures 2.17, 2.19 and 2.20 are taken from the eastern slopes of Flirtation Hill facing east over the showground, while Figure. 2.18 is taken from the south-eastern corner of the showground facing north west.
Figure 2.17 is estimated to date from circa 1907. The current Main Pavilion is not yet present, while the conifers towards the western boundary have disappeared. A large building, believed to be an earlier Main Pavilion, can be detected in the background beyond the conifers. A series of sheep sheds with conical roofs on the western side of the conifers are on the site of the current sheep pavilion.
Figure 2.17 Showground from Flirtation Hill (circa 1907) – Facing East. Source: Mudgee Historical Society Inc.
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Figure 2.18, which appeared in the 1921 Mudgee Centenary Souvenir booklet, is unfortunately not distinct, but is nevertheless revealing. Taken from the corner Madeira and Atkinson Street, facing north west, it shows left to right the old Grandstand, an unidentified building, the current Sheep Pavilion, the eastern section of the current Poultry Pavilion and the current Main Pavilion. Of interest is the rustic fencing in the foreground
Figure 2.18 The Mudgee Showground (1921) - facing north west. Source: Mudgee Historical Society Inc.
Figure 2.19 is taken from Flirtation Hill facing south east some time prior to the late 1930s. It shows the old grandstand still in situ and the extent of the enlarged arena stretching to the Madeira Road boundary. It also shows very extensive stabling along the Douro Street fence in the foreground, northern end of which are the extant remnant loose boxes.
Figure 2.19 Southern end of the Mudgee Showground from Flirtation Hill - facing south east. Source: Sue England, Mudgee.
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An extensive panoramic photograph of the showground site, taken by Sydney photographer H. G. McBurney probably in the early 1920s (Figure. 2.20), is much more distinct and reveals considerable changes to the site since the circa 1907 photograph (Figure. 2.17).24
Figure 2.20 Mudgee Showground from Flirtation Hill by H. G. McBurney (circa 1920s) - facing east. Source: Mudgee Historical Society Inc.
2.10.2 Vanished Structures Numerous structures which appear in the archival photographs (see Figures 2.17, 2.18, 2.19 and 2.20), are shown in Parish Maps or the 1931 Sewerage Plan have disappeared from the site over the years. The functions of all these structures have not necessarily been verified, and there may well be other vanished structures which are unrecorded here. The bulk of structures on site have primarily been located on Allotment 1, the original 1881 land grant, in the north- western corner of the showground. Figure 2.21 locates these vanished structures on the Showground.
1 Stables 2 Old Caretaker’s Cottage 3 Shed 4 Women’s Toilets 5 Men’s Toilets 6 Sheep Sheds 7 Dog Kennels 8 Unknown Building 9 Kellett’s Building 10 Old Main Pavilion 11 Unknown Building 12 Austin’s Garage Pavilion 13 Unknown Building 14 Unknown Building 15 Unknown Building 16 Unknown Structure 17 Old Grandstand 18 Old Stallion Stalls
Figure 2.21 Site Plan, showing approximate locations of vanished buildings on the Mudgee Showground.
24 Although based in Sydney H. G. McBurney was an itinerant photographer who frequently travelled in country New South Wales in the early 1900s. He appears to have specialised in panoramic photographs of country towns and homesteads and their gardens. Several of his Mudgee district photographs from the early 1920s are still in the hands of families who commissioned them.
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BUILDING COMMENTS 1 Stallions Stables Running east-west, present in the 1920s McBurney photograph and later replaced by cattle yards. Date of demolition unknown.
Pig pens between the stables and the caretaker’s cottage were used by the Warner family as goat pens in the 1930s to the 1950s. 2 Old Caretaker’s Cottage Present on “1903” parish map.
In weatherboard and fibro and facing east, a long gabled section ran parallel to Douro Street while numerous small yards were in the immediate vicinity. From 1936 until the early 1950s the caretaker was Frank Warner who lived in the cottage with his family.
This building was demolished circa 1980 by the Mudgee Poultry Club which used Figure 2.22 Former caretaker’s cottage (1920s) the materials to construct the western section of the current Poultry Pavilion. 3 Shed Present in the 1920s McBurney photograph and on the 1931 sewerage plan, this shed was associated with the caretaker’s cottage. Date of demolition unknown. 4 Ladies’ Toilet Present in the 1920s McBurney photograph. Date of demolition unknown, but possibly in the early 1950s once the new amenities block was built
Long time Mudgee Show Society member Edna Strike can remember separate pan toilet blocks for ladies and men along the Douro Street boundary; in earlier days it was considered most inappropriate to have toilets for men and women anywhere near one another.
Figure 2.23 Former ladies’ toilets (1920s) 5 Men’s Toilet and Douro Street Entrance The men’s toilet building and gateway were both present in the 1920s McBurney photograph. Figure 2.24 also reveals that the Douro Street entrance to the showground has since moved further south (date unknown). The men’s toilet, located in the small shed between the sheep pavilion and the western boundary fence, was possibly demolished in the early 1950s once the new amenities block Figure 2.24 Men’s toilet, left foreground, and was built. earlier Douro Street entrance, centre foreground (1920s)
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6 Old Sheep Sheds Present on the “1903” parish map. Presumed demolished for the current sheep pavilion pre 1921.
Figure 2.25 Conical-roofed sheep sheds 7 Dog Kennels Present in the 1920s McBurney photograph. Date of demolition unknown.
A long double row of dog kennels running parallel to Douro Street was once situated north of the current mid 20th Century Brick Amenities and south of the old caretaker’s cottage. Rows of pepper trees were planted either side to provide shade. 8 Unknown Building Present on the 1931 sewerage plan. Date of demolition unknown.
The function of this sizeable weatherboard building is not known. 9 Kellett’s Pavilion Present on the 1931 sewerage plan. Date of demolition unknown.
For many years Kellett’s store of Mudgee, previously on the site of Mudgee’s Big W store until the early 2000s, had a small enclosed fibro pavilion to the north of the Main Pavilion. During the Mudgee Show this pavilion was used for store displays. This building is also marked Officer’s Mess on the 1931 sewerage plan, indicating some sort of military use, perhaps during WW2 10 Old Main Pavilion Present on the “1903” parish map. Thought to have occupied the site of the current main pavilion. Date of demolition unknown.
Articles in the Mudgee Guardian in March 1909 describe the main pavilion as old and a barn of a place, with the interior needing painting. In the Mudgee Guardian on 10th February 1910 it was recorded that “… the main pavilion has been completely renovated and enlarged….” 11 Unknown Structure Present on the “1903” parish map. Date of demolition unknown.
This building, the function of which is not known, stood to the immediate south of the old main pavilion.
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12 Austin’s Garage Pavilion Present in a photograph in the Mudgee Centenary Souvenir booklet in 1921. Date of demolition unknown
This ornate gabled building, used by Austin’s Garage of Market Street, Mudgee, was located close to the arena. Because of its style, its design is attributed to Mudgee architect Harold Hardwick
Figure 2.26 Austin’s Garage showground pavilion (1921) 13 Unknown Pavilion Not present on the “1903” parish map but present in a circa 1910 photograph. Date of demolition unknown.
This pavilion, the function of which is not known, existed to the north of the old grandstand and south of the site of the current grandstand. The footprint of this structure, which consisted of a central gabled section with clerestory windows and skillion sections on a north-south Figure 2.27 Unknown pavilion (right) viewed from north-east across the old arena (circa 1910) axis, is not present on a “1903” parish map of the town 14 Unknown Shed Present in the 1920s McBurney photograph. Not present on the 1931 sewerage plan.
This small hipped roof building, the function of which is not known, was clad in corrugated iron and located further south of the present goat pavilion (extreme left).
Figure 2.28 Unknown shed 15 Unknown Shed Present in the 1920s McBurney photograph. Date of demolition unknown, but present on the 1931 sewerage plan.
Of gabled construction and clad in corrugated steel, its function is not known, nor its date of demolition.
Figure 2.29 Unknown shed 16 Pyramid-Roofed Structure Present circa 1910. Date of demolition unknown.
This structure, the function of which is not known, stood close to the arena and to the north of the old grandstand
Figure 2.30 Pyramid-roofed structure
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17 Old Grandstand There was agitation recorded in local newspapers in the early 1890s for the construction of a grandstand at the showground, but support had not materialised by 1898.25 However, the depression of the 1890s meant that money was not available in that decade. By the early 1900s, when the economy started to recover, grandstands eventually became a reality at Victoria Park in Mudgee, at the old Mudgee race track (now the site of the airport) and at the Mudgee showground. The design for all of Figure 2.31 Northern facade of old grandstand these grandstands could be attributed to Mudgee architect Harold Hardwick (see Appendix 2).
Although not present on the “1903” parish map, the Mudgee Guardian reported on 23rd February 1900 that construction of the grandstand was underway and was expected to be finished in time for that year’s show.
In 1909 the Mudgee Guardian reported that well-known Mudgee builder Walter Figure 2.32 Eastern front of old grandstand Murphy was the successful tender for the enlargement of and improvements to the showground grandstand.26 Figure. 2.31 shows a corrugated steel-clad building with timber framework and timber steps to the seating area under a skillion corrugated steel roof. The small timber booth adjacent to the grandstand is advertising Luncheon 2/6, Afternoon tea 1/-; it appears that the dining room was under the grandstand.
Demolished in the mid 1930s. 18 Old Stallion Stalls Present on the 1931 sewerage map. Date of demolition unknown, but probably post WW2.
The Mudgee Guardian reported on 8th Feb 1912 that only eight of the new loose boxes for the stallions were erected and they were to be allocated by ballot. Life Member of the Show Society, Pat Birchall, remembers these stalls along the Madeira Road fence.
Other Vanish Built Elements: Fences and Yards The ‘1903’ parish map (Figure 2.33) shows a large portion of the northern section of Allotment 1 of the showground site was fenced off, bisected only by the main entrance driveway from Nicholson Street. The 1931 sewerage plan shows that this fenced area had contracted to a smaller portion in the north-western corner. Primarily used for cattle exhibits and sales, these yards remained in use well into the 1900s.
25 Newspaper article in the archives of Mudgee Historical Society Inc. 26 Mudgee Guardian, 2nd December 1909.
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The “1903” parish map also showed two fenced rings, one to the south of the sheep pavilions, and a larger one at the southern end of the main arena.
The 1931 sewerage plan shows extensive yarding along the southern boundary in the south- western corner of the showground site; this was presumably used for horses.
Although fencing is now primarily meshed, a variety of fencing has existed over the years. Early fences were primarily timber palings and high enough to prevent people from gaining illegal entry at show time. Newspaper articles from the early 1900s report that the police were vigilant in thwarting such action. 2.11 The Arena The position and size of the arena at Mudgee Showground has changed several times since the site was first used in 1883. Each successive arena has, however, been placed on the same axis: north-northeast Æ south-southwest.
1890s A parish map (Figure 2.33) dated 1903, but believed to be earlier, shows many identified features on the showground site, but interestingly reveals that a much smaller oval-shaped arena previously existed further south of the current arena and was located virtually wholly within the southern Allotment 2 of the showground site which wasn’t dedicated until 1893. This early arena, which probably dated from the mid to late 1890s, contained within it a sizeable ring towards the southern end. A much smaller arena is shown on Allotment 1 was probably used in the early days of the showground.
This “1903” map also reveals that the wash in the eastern portion of the site was once more extensive and has gradually been filled in.
Figure 2.33 ‘1903’ Parish Map of Mudgee, showing the Mudgee Showground
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1921 A show was staged during the Mudgee Centenary in 1921. Photographs in the souvenir booklet indicate that the arena was much more extensive than indicated in the “1903” parish map (see Figure 2.18 and 2.33).
1931 A 1931sewerage map of the showground site shows a much larger arena which had expanded northwards from the Madeira Road boundary fence and eastwards towards a much reduced wash on the eastern boundary. This extensive track was introduced to cater for trotting which was an integral part of the Mudgee Show programme from the early 20th Century 27 and an approved NSW Trotting Association trotting track in 1913.28 A photograph taken of the late Tim Loneragan racing ant-clockwise around the arena with the Main Pavilion close by in the background suggests that the arena had expanded by 1930 (see Figure 2.16).29
1970s At a date yet to be established the arena was contracted northwards, losing approximately one third of its length in the process. An aerial photograph of the site taken in the 1970s shows the reduced track, but the outline of the previous track can still be clearly seen from the air.
Lindsay Warner, son of the caretaker, lived on the site while growing up in the 1930s and 1940s, remembers two cricket fields inside the arena.
27 Mudgee Guardian 10 March 1913 reported that ‘“Word has been received from the Chief Secretary and from the NSW Trotting Association that trotting events at the show have been approved of” 28 Dormer, Marion, Dubbo City on the Plains, 1901-1988, Macquarie Publications, 1981 29 A motor gymkhana component was part of the Mudgee Show programme as early as 1918, with sections for men, women and novelties (Mudgee Guardian, 8th March 1919).
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3.0 Physical Assessment
3.1 Setting, Landform, Layout and Landscaping
Setting Mudgee Showground is a relatively open space in a residential area, 1.8 Km to the south west of Mudgee town centre and to the east of the heavily wooded Crown Reserve, Flirtation Hill (500 metres ASL).
Landform The Showground, a rectangular site of approximately 12.8 hectares, is 400 metres ASL on the north western boundary falling approximately 4 metres to the south eastern boundary. A storm- water drain, originally a ‘deep wash’ over a wide area, is now contained close to the eastern boundary as an open drain with approximately 20 metres running underground through a concrete pipe. The only crossing of the open drain on the northern end is via a rustic timber bridge which is almost impassable and threatened due to weed growth.
Layout The main entrance to the showground is mid-way along the northern (Nicholson Street) boundary. There are also public entrances in Douro Street and Madeira Road and a cattle entrance on the northern end of Douro Street. Unmade roads connect the entrances and the various facilities within the site except for the road connecting the Nicholson Street main entrance and the Main Pavilion car park. This has a concrete newly laid roll kerb and gutter with an asphalt surface.
The large arena, skewed to the north east and south west corners, is roughly centred on the site, and the pavilions, yards and amenities blocks are generally grouped to the north and south of the elevated western side of the site. Their placement on the site reflects the progressive enlargement of the site from 1881-1904 as well as the natural restrictions due to the watercourse on the east.
Landscaping There are many mature mainly native species of trees on the site, both in avenues and as individual specimens. All have been planted since c.1907 and a number are evident on the c.1920 McBurney Photograph (see Figures 2.18 and 2.20). The majority were probably planted mid 20th Century. The main lines of trees are along the north and east perimeter of the site and along the road to the stables (mainly Eucalyptus and Pine species) and to the west of the Cattle and Sheep Sheds (the imported pepper trees, Schinus molle). There is extensive more recent planting in the north eastern corner of the site. Arborist assessment is recommended.
3.2 Early 20th Century Structures This section includes the history, physical and significance assessment of the primary structures on the Mudgee Showground. Specific policies for items of significance should be read in conjunction with Section 6.2 of this Conservation Management Plan. The assessment criteria can be found in Section 4.2 and the location of the structures can be found in Figure 1.2.
3.2.1 General Description Building stock is predominately early timber framed steel hipped and gabled pavilions and stables dating from the late early 20th Century. The late 20th Century buildings are
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predominately steel framed or brick. The predominant cladding on the site is custom orb profile corrugated steel.
3.2.2 Main Pavilion 1909-1910 (Bld 16)
History The current Main Pavilion, a major extension of the original 1880s Main Pavilion, was erected 1 between March 1909 and February 1910. The earliest graphic recording of the Main Pavilion is in the 1921 Mudgee Centenary Souvenir Booklet (see Figure 2.18).
Some years prior to 1913 the committee of the Show Society recognised that the showground buildings were getting out of date – ‘particularly the back pavilion, the sheep shed and the second produce shed’. As there was no money to effect improvements, they called upon the people of Mudgee to help by taking up debentures (both General and Main Pavilion debentures) at a rate of 6% (see Figure 3.1). Over £1,355 was subscribed and improvements 2 made between 1910 and 1913 totaled £1200.
The original Main Pavilion was one of the first two pavilions on the site as recorded in the 1903 3 Parish Map (see Figure 3.36). The current Main Pavilion is on or near the site of the northern building on this Map. The original Main Pavilion may well have been the first shed erected on 4 the showground in 1881 for which £60 was allocated. Although the location of the shed was not recorded, the amount of money allocated indicates it was a large structure and in 1909 the old Main Pavilion was described as having old barn-like appearance.
Figure 3.1 Mudgee Agricultural Society Main Pavilion Debenture dated 1 December, 1910 and signed by the President V D Cox.
1 The Mudgee Guardian in March 1909 described the (old) Main Pavilion as old and a barn of a place, with the interior needing painting. In the Mudgee Guardian on 10th February 1910 it was recorded that “… the Main Pavilion has been completely renovated and enlarged….”. 2 Societies Finances, Mudgee Guardian March 30, 1914 3 The date noted on Parish Maps is understood to refer to the termination date for use of the maps. Maps were used and edited for years prior to closure. It is likely this map was prepared in the early 1880s when the original grant and funding for fencing was being considered by the Government. 4 Mudgee Guardian March 10,1913
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Harold Robert Hardwick (1866 – 1935), Architect, was the sole practising architect in the greater Mudgee district from the mid 1890s until his death in Mudgee in 1935 (see Appendix 2). His briefs were extensive and included residential, commercial, ecclesiastical and agricultural commissions. The latter included the old sale-yards in Mudgee’s West End, the occasional woolshed and the 1900 Mudgee Showground Ladies Reception Room and a Poultry Coop.
It is highly likely that he was also the architect responsible for the Main Pavilion and Sheep Pavilion (Goat and Sheep 2 sections). It is known he was involved with the Mudgee Show Society from 1900 when tenders were advertised for the Ladies Reception Room and Poultry 5 Coop. By 1913 he was a committee member of the Mudgee Show Society and performed, with eight others, vocal and other items at the Society’s Smoke Concert on the Wednesday 6 night of the 1913 Show.
The substantial Main Pavilion is the only building on the showground that houses a diverse range of exhibits. With the Grandstand, it is the traditional centre of social interaction at Show time, particularly important for people on the land who live a relatively isolated life. The Main Pavilion has been valued and well-used by the community for almost a century and it continues to play a vital role in show and community activities. It has a strong association with the Mudgee Show Societies (under various names) and a likely association with a respected architect whose works are well-represented in Mudgee town and district.
In the early 20th Century the Show Society used the Main Pavilion for many and varied activities including at Show time the opening ceremonies (until 1914) and commercial displays such as Singer Sewing Machine Co., McFarlane Bros with their ‘1700 tins of baking powder’, Maurice Bale’s ‘suitings’ and Lightning Polisher for cleaning floors.7There were also the exhibits including cakes, embroidery, fruit and flowers as well as a huge contribution from the schools. Outside of show time the pavilion attracted various commercial lessees such as sheep sales.
Currently the Main Pavilion is regularly used as a gymnasium and since 1992 by O’Brien Bartlett First National for antiques and collectable auctions. At show time it is the exhibition area for a diverse range of Schedule Sections such as: Art; Black & Coloured Wool; Cooking; Craft; Farm & Garden; Rich Fruit Cake Competition; Home Brew; Home Produce; Honey; Horticulture; Knitting & Crochet; Lego & Models; Needlework; Photography: Pottery and Spinning and Weaving.
Minor adaptations to the building for the Show Society’s changing needs have been carried out since 1910. These include:
• c1980s: An equal access ramp to the northern double doors installed by the Lions • Club and a steeper ramp installed at the southern door. • Post 1995 steel clad storage area added to the south western corner of the building to store gymnasium equipment for the long term tenant. • c1970 direct access provided to the kitchen/dining room on the west • c1970 the interior lined with laminated board.
An unmounted 1988-2005 President’s Honour Board is stored in the building.
5 Mudgee Guardian 9 March 1900: Tenders called for erection of a ladies’ reception room and a poultry coop. Plans and specifications with Harold Hardwick, architect 6 Mudgee Guardian, 10 March, 1913. 7 Mudgee Guardian 10 March, 1913
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Previous Reports In recent years various reports and surveys have been prepared on the Mudgee Showground. The following provides a brief summary of findings in relation to the Main Pavilion:
Property Valuation (6 June1995) The HTW Valuers inspected the property and considered the building to be in fair condition and the value at that time was $90,000. Replacement Value $185,000 and the residual life considered to be 20 years.
The Mudgee Recreation and Cultural Strategy (2004) This Strategy identified the major issue at the Main Pavilion as maintenance especially of flooring and ceiling.
Barnson Engineers Structural Inspection at Mudgee Showground: Building Condition Assessment (7 July 2008) The inspection found significant structural or maintenance issues in the Main Pavilion. The external sheeting to the building is in poor condition while the internal frame is in fair condition, though there is some deflection during wind events. Termite damage (inactive) was found in the timber piers supporting the floor which has resulted in the floor sinking in sections.
Mid-Western Regional Council Public Exhibition of Mudgee of Showground Master Plan (5 January, 2009 to 2 February 2009) Advertised in the Mudgee Guardian on 2 January 2009 and submissions were due 2 February, 2009. Council received 26 submissions regarding the draft Master Plan none of which objected to the demolition of the Main Pavilion.8
Mid-Western Regional Council Community Consultation Meeting (27 January 2009) The meeting discussed the Draft Mudgee Showground Master Plan proposals which included the demolition of the Main Pavilion. Forty members of the public including the members of the Mudgee Show Society, Mudgee Gymnastics and Stable Hirers attended. The minutes of the meeting indicate there was no comment from the public and users regarding the demolition of the building (see Appendix 4).9
Mudgee Showground Master Plan Final Community Consultation (February 2009 draft) The Master Plan reported on the following: • Mudgee Show Society has OH&S concerns regarding the roofing and flooring and the cost of rebuilding a (new) Pavilion. • Mudgee Gymnasium: Additional space required for spectators, the size of the Pavilion is only sufficient for training, not adequate for competition. Timber floors preferred due to safety and lower insurance costs.
Other Issues Lea Marheine, Property Services Manager, Assets Department, Mid-Western Regional Council, reports that issues have been raised by the community include: • No toilet blocks with undercover access.
8 It is possible that some people were unaware of the proposal to demolish the Main Pavilion at this time as there is no mention of this in the text of the draft Mudgee Showground Master Plan (February 2009) and only Figure 9 and 18 graphically indicate that the building has been replaced. 9 Community Consultation was not commissioned as part of the Mudgee Conservation Management Plan, however anecdotal evidence suggests some people were unaware of the meeting and do not support the demolition of the Main Pavilion.
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• No disabled access to the dining room • Dust and bird ingress problems due to open ventilation at roof line • Lack of connection to the exterior. • Lack of solar access • Need for the showground to remain viable
Physical Assessment
Setting and Exterior The Main Pavilion is located to the west of the arena and north of the Grandstand. The mass and relationship of this pair of buildings dominates the site.
The Main Pavilion is a representative example of an early 20th Century showground exhibition hall with well crafted external timber detailing (see Figure 3.2).
Figure 3.2 Main Pavilion northern façade – facing south east. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
The timber framed rectangular pavilion, supported on timber stumps, is clad in original unpainted corrugated steel. The gabled roof has the original four ventilation vents on alternate sides of the ridge line. The projecting upper gable infills on the northern and southern façade are clad in octagonal and plain timber shingles supported by wrought timber brackets. The timber bargeboards terminate in restrained fretwork (see Figure 3.3).
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Figure 3.3 Main Pavilion northern facade. Detail of projecting upper gable infills – facing south. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Centrally on the north and south walls are double doors with a high 12 paned glazed panel above set in a scrolled timber framework. Above the northern door there is evidence in the joinery of a former awning that projected over the entrance. The north and south double doors are clad in sheet metal and the glazing above has been removed from the framework. Designed to provide maximum display space within the building, narrow bands of timber framed windows were placed at eaves level on north, south and east façades. Translucent corrugated sheets now cover all the formerly glazed areas and the framework (see Figure 3.4).
Figure 3.4 Main Pavilion – Detail of window above the southern entrance doors – facing north. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
Double timber doors (c.1970) connect the Main Pavilion, via steps in an enclosed passage, to the Dining Pavilion on the west. Concrete and brick ramps provide access to the northern and
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southern entrances, replacing the timber platform and steps. Neither ramp complies with current BCA equal access requirements.
A post 1995 intrusive ribbed sheet metal flat roofed addition abuts the pavilion on the south- western corner which is accessed through a sliding door in the interior of the pavilion.
Access can be gained to the under-floor area via a small external doorway on the eastern facade. The under-floor area shows evidence of water logging and weed growth.
Interior The interior consists of a single clear space provided by a timber truss spanning 23 metres (see Figure 3.5). The walls are lined to approximately 2.5m with laminated paneling installed c. 1970s. Ventilation is provided through an approximately 200mm wire mesh bird-proofed opening at the top of the walls.
Integrity Good - Some alterations to suit changing uses and requirements.
Condition Fair/Poor: Stormwater goods failing causing water retention in underfloor area. Bird-proof mesh is degraded. Timber stumps reportedly failing and (inactive) termite activity in the building (no termite inspection or treatment has been carried out since 2005). Floor is uneven due to stump damage. All glazing has been removed and replaced with translucent fibreglass sheets. Galvanized steel cladding damaged at the southern door and fixings generally loose with some missing.
Figure 3.5 Main Pavilion – internal roof structure over northern entrance door – facing north. Source: Barnson Structural Inspection, 2008.
Significance The substantial 1909-1910 Main Pavilion and the late 1930s Grandstand combine to be the dominant elements on the site and contribute to the overall character and significance of the Mudgee Showground. The Main Pavilion has a strong association with the Mudgee Show Society (under various names) and a likely association with a prominent local Architect Harold Robert Hardwick (1866-1935) whose works are well-represented in Mudgee town and district.
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It is the only building on the site with a direct link to the 1881 newly amalgamated Mudgee Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association, as it incorporates elements of the early1880s Main Pavilion. The building has been continuously used as an exhibition and entertainment space since the early1880s.
The Main Pavilion has an historical association with the Mudgee Show Society and the former voluntary Mudgee Showground Trust, who continually struggled to provide appropriate accommodation on Crown Land to facilitate agricultural education and development.
Despite years of drought and impending war, in 1909 in the spirit of the times and with confidence in the rural enterprise, the Mudgee community financed through debentures, the Mudgee Agricultural Society’s major extension of the Main Pavilion. Although the building has been valued and well-used by the community since 1910, and it continues to play a vital role in show and community activities, the lack of basic maintenance and adaptation to changing needs, has currently made the building tired and apparently unattractive to both tenants and the community.
Moderate Significance at Local Level without community support retention High Significance at Local Level with community support for retention Southern addition - Intrusive
Policy • Ensure the Conservation Management Plan is widely exhibited, advertised and adequate community consultation undertaken before giving due consideration to the future of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion.
• Prior to any approval by Mid-Western Regional Council to restore and adapt, or to demolish the pavilion, careful consideration should be given to: - the views of the community; - the heritage significance of1909-1910 Main Pavilion; - possible compatible new uses and adaptation of the Main Pavilion; - the overall viability of the showground; and - the environmental and financial impact of demolition.
The 1909-1910 Main Pavilion is of moderate significance, as a representative example of timber framed Federation showground exhibition hall, with high historic significance.
Although it is recommended that consideration be given to the retention and adaptation of the building due to its significance, it is recognised that the building is in only fair condition and issues identified in various reports and by the community indicate the present condition and facilities do not meet community expectations for the 21st Century. The cost of restoration is also high and insufficient funding is available for restoration and adaptation of the building. To remain viable country showgrounds, operating in a competitive environment, must be able to attract lessees throughout the year, particularly long term tenants and major events.
In order to provide greater flexibility to accommodate a variety of events, the Mudgee Showground Master Plan recommends the Main Pavilion be demolished and its functions replaced by a large multipurpose pavilion for which $1.5m has been allocated.
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The Master Plan 2008 Community Consultations, and the subsequent 27 February 2009 Mid- Western Regional Council Community Consultation Meeting, reportedly did not receive negative comment regarding the proposal to demolish the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion. Although the Main Pavilion is highly significant to the history of the showground, this reported lack of community support for the retention of the building impacts on its significance.
However, the community consultations were conducted prior to the commissioning of this Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan, which contains the first detailed historical overview of the site. It is important that the community be made aware of the findings in this report, and is given an opportunity to comment, before the future of the Main Pavilion is resolved.
The Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan should be widely exhibited, advertised and invitations issued to key interested parties in order to inform the community and confirm the support for demolition of the building. If the original findings cannot be confirmed the building should be reassessed in light of the new information.
Policy Adaptation of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion If the building is to be retained and restored, with advice from Council’s Heritage adviser, consider sympathetic adaptation of the building to cater for current requirements and compatible new uses. Adaptation of the fabric could include:
• installation of new disabled ramps or mechanical devices to northern and southern doors in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA); • installation of glazing in the ventilation band at eaves level to prevent dust and bird ingress; • relining the interior walls and installing a ceiling if required; • removing sections of corrugated steel cladding and install glazing to provide solar access and views of the arena; • erecting heavy timber shutters to any lower level glazing to deter vandalism; • opening up the walls between the Dining Pavilion and the Main Pavilion and installing a Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) compliant low rise platform equal access lift; • erecting toilet facilities either to the east of the building or west of dining room in a corrugated iron skillion addition designed to blend with the existing buildings.
Policy Mitigating Measures If, after consideration of the issues and options, the decision is to demolish the 1909 -1910 Main Pavilion, the following procedures are recommended:
• Endorsement of the Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan by Mid-Western Regional Council • Lodge the endorsed Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan with the Lands Department • Prepare a Heritage Impact Statement for demolition • Seek permission to demolish the structure from the Lands Dept. • Lodge a Development Application with Mid-Western Regional Council for the demolition of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion • Prepare an archival record in accordance with NSW Heritage Office How to Prepare an Archival Recording (search under Archival at http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/03_index.htm# and a measured drawing before any demolition work is commenced. Lodge documents with the Mid-Western Regional Council and a copy to Mudgee Historical Society
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• Carefully dismantle the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion and store whole components in a dry and safe environment for reuse. • Interpretation of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion at Mudgee Showground should include a combination of interpretative material such as: - erect interpretation panels at the site of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion, including reproductions of historical photographs, that portray the history of the building and its place in the history of Mudgee and the district - interpret the footprint of the building constructed as paving, seating or a steel sculpture/shade device in the form of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion on the site. - partial demolition leaving a remnant to interpret the structure - commission a book on the history of the Mudgee Show Society, Mudgee Showground, the 1909-1910 Pavilion and their contribution to the history of Mudgee. - include the site in the Heritage Walk of Mudgee
3.2.3 Sheep, Goat and Wool Pavilion (Goat, Bld 12; Judging Ring, Bld 12; Sheep 1 and 2, Bld 11; Wool, Bld 10)
History Since settlement sheep have been an important primary industry in the area. At the December 1846 Mudgee Agricultural Show ‘Fine woolled sheep were particularly remarked upon, and pronounced by excellent judges of wool as perhaps unequalled in the colony’.10 In 1883, 25 pounds was voted by the Mudgee Agricultural Society for general improvements to the showground and two large additional sheds were being erected (use not specified).11 By Show Week in1883 two pavilions were well filled with merino sheep, the principal breeders of the district being represented and the classes well filled.12 These may be a series of hexagonal shaped buildings that appear to be in the same location as the current Goat Section and Sheep Section 2 (see Figure 2.17).
The Sheep Section 2, adjoining the Wool Pavilion, and the Goat Section, on the southern end of the building, were originally stand-alone buildings. The buildings have been joined and extended to the north in a sympathetic manner and are now part of a series of inter-connected structures under gabled and skillion corrugated steel roofs of varying widths arranged on a north-south axis. From south to north the buildings were erected as follows: Goats Pavilion 1920s, Judging Ring c1983, Sheep Pavilion 1 c1974, Sheep Pavilion 2 pre-1921, Wool Pavilion 1974/1983. Gabled wings were also added to the east and west of the Sheep Pavilion 1 c1974. Three concrete and steel loading ramps have been installed at various times on the western side.
10 Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Adviser. 23 December, 1846 11 Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Adviser. 19 May 1881 12 Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Adviser. 26 July1883 p 3
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Sheep Section The elongated Sheep Section 2, present in the 1921 Mudgee Centenary Souvenir booklet photograph, could be attributed to Mudgee architect Harold Hardwick (see Appendix 2 and Figure 2.18) and may well be the same Sheep Pavilion mentioned as having been erected in 1908 when General Debentures were issued for the development of the Showground:
“As sheep exhibitors are aware, the sheep pavilion is one of the best on any of the country showgrounds of the State, and is a fitting monument of the work carried out by the committee during 1908.”13
The Sheep 2 Section was once used on a regular basis for pig sales by local stock and station agencies such as Mara Brothers.14 In 2005 extensive work had to be carried out as the timber posts were sinking and new steel pens were installed in the central section replacing the degraded early timber pens in this area.15
Goat Section pre-1921 The Goat Section does not appear in the 1921 Mudgee Centenary Souvenir booklet photograph, but it is present in the 1920s McBurney photograph (see Figure 2.18 and 2.20). It is marked on the 1931 sewerage plan of Mudgee as the Poultry Pavilion.16 Once the poultry section moved to its current site adjacent to the Kitchen/Dining Pavilion, this building housed the pig section until swine fever appeared in the 1960s; pigs have not been exhibited at the Mudgee Show since. Goats were introduced to the Mudgee Show in 1963 by Pat and Dot Birchall, and were housed initially in a marquee attached to the eastern side of the Sheep Pavilion before moving into the current Goat Section.
For many years there was a small yard south of the goat pavilion where visitors could guess the weight of a tethered bullock.
Gables were very much a feature of Federation, Arts and Crafts and Californian bungalow era architecture, and were key elements in the architecture of Mudgee architect Harold Hardwick (1866-1935) who was perhaps responsible for the design of the Goat Section (see Appendix 2).
Physical Assessment The Sheep Pavilion, a long open shed attached to an enclosed Wool Pavilion on the north, located to the north west of the Grandstand. The five sections of the building from the south include: Goats, Judging Ring, Sheep 1, Sheep 2 and Wool. The Judging Ring and Sheep 1 sections are wider than the rest of the building. Three concrete and steel loading ramps have been installed at various times on the western side.
Goat Section 1920s The Goat Section on the south has a painted corrugated steel gabled roof supported by rough hewn timber round posts with the original central gable on the east. The north, south and western walls are clad in corrugated steel and the eastern façade is open. The western wall
13 Mudgee Guardian, 10th February 1910 and Mudgee Guardian 20 March 1913 14 Pat Birchall, Interview with J Broadley September 2009. 15 Barry Rheinberger, telephone 30 October 2009 with J McMonnies 16 Lindsay Warner, who grew up on the Showground site in the 1930s and 1940s, remembers a poultry shed, closed on the southern end but open on the eastern and western sides, was located on the southern end of what is now the Goat Pavilion.
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has an open ventilation slot below the eaves. The floor is concrete slab with fixed steel pens. Two openings through the north wall, with ledged and braced picket gates, provide access to the Judging Ring
Integrity Fair – Altered to house changing uses for poultry, pigs and goats.
Condition Fair - structure, cladding and stormwater goods. Downpipe on the south east corner is missing (see Figure 3.6). Pens and floor – Poor
Significance The Goat Section is a representative example of an early 20th pavilion that has been altered to suit changing needs of the Mudgee Show. It is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust since 1920 and likely association with H R Hardwick, Architect.
Moderate significance at local level
Policy • Endeavour to continue use or adapt for a compatible use. • If after consideration the building is to be demolished the following procedures are recommended: - Prepare a Heritage Impact Statement for demolition - Seek permission to demolish from the Lands Dept. - Lodge development application to demolish with Mid-Western Regional Council • Prepare archival recording prior to demolition. • Prior to any work being carried out on the building ensure compliance with the policies in Section 6.2 of this report.
Figure 3.6 Goat Section – original eastern façade with central gable – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
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Judging Ring, c.1983 A covered area with ribbed interlocking sheet metal flat roof on timber rafters supported by adjacent Goat and Sheep 1 buildings. Steel pipe and mesh fencing and gates surround a concrete floor in the Judging Ring section. The floor of a covered area that extends to the east is earth (see Figure 3.7).
Integrity Good
Condition Good
Significance The 1983 Judging Ring is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local level
Figure 3.7 Judging Ring – facing south west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
Sheep 1 Section, c.1974 Steel posts with steel pipe trusses and timber rafters support a painted corrugated steel pitched shaped roof with wide central gabled wings on the east and west (see Figure 3.8). Set in the roofing is a series of translucent corrugated sheets at regular intervals providing natural illumination. Concrete floor and steel mesh fixed pens (see Figure 3.9).
Integrity Fair
Condition Structure and stormwater goods – Good Roofing, pens and floor – Fair
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Significance The Sheep Section 1 erected c. 1974 is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and the voluntary Mudgee Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local level
Figure 3.8 Sheep Pavilion Sheep 1 Section – eastern wing gable – facing west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Figure 3.9 Sheep Pavilion Sheep 1 Section - steel trusses and pens -facing north west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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Sheep 2 Section, pre-1921, c. 1908 Rough hewn round timber posts with sawn timber framing supporting a painted corrugated steel gabled roof and narrow skillions on the east and west. . Adjacent to the Wool Pavilion’s central sliding doors there is a slatted timber section laid over it the concrete floor. Early timber sheep pens are around the perimeter and steel pens in the centre (see Figure 3.10).
Set in the roofing is a series of translucent corrugated sheets at regular intervals providing natural illumination.
Integrity Fair – central framework, cladding and perimeter timber pens original
Condition Structure – Good Roofing and pens – Fair
Significance The Sheep 2 Section, the earliest extant animal pavilion on the Mudgee Showground, is significant for close to a century of continuous use, for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust. The pavilion provides evidence of c. 1908 construction techniques and has a likely association with H R Hardwick Architect.
High Significance at Local level
Policy • Conserve the fabric and make safe the roofing and pens • Endeavour to continue use or adapt for a compatible use. • If after consideration the building is to be demolished the following procedures are recommended: - Endorsement of the Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan by Mid- Western Regional Council - Lodge the endorsed Mudgee Showground Conservation Management Plan with the Lands Department - Prepare a Heritage Impact Statement for demolition - Seek permission to demolish the structure from the Lands Dept. - Lodge a Development Application for demolition with Mid-Western Regional Council for the demolition of the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion - Prepare an archival record in accordance with NSW Heritage Office How to Prepare an Archival Recording (search under Archival at http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/03_index.htm# and a measured drawing before any demolition work is commenced. Lodge documents with the Mid-Western Regional Council and a copy to Mudgee Historical Society - Carefully dismantle and store whole components in a dry and safe environment for reuse. - Interpretation of the Sheep Pavilion at Mudgee Showground
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Figure 3.10 Sheep Pavilion Sheep 2 Section – timber posts pens on the perimeter, steel pens centrally – facing north. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Wool Pavilion, 1974, 1983
History The Wool Pavilion was erected in 1974 adjoining the Sheep 2 Section; it was extended to the north in 1983. The building was named after Ron Wood, long serving secretary to the Show Society in 1970s. The building contains cabinets donated when the building was being erected in 1974.
Physical The Wool Pavilion is a large unpainted corrugated pavilion supported by a brick plinth, with a gabled pitched roof. The southern 1974 section is a timber framed and the 1983 extension to the north has steel framing. Externally the variation in the colour of the corrugated steel clearly indicates the extent of the extension. Sections of the corrugated steel roof are translucent to provide the only natural illumination. The northern façade has a truck loading bay providing access through a wide roller door. The pedestrian entrance on the eastern façade is via a concrete ramp. There is a single pedestrian door on the western end and a wide central opening with sliding doors in the centre of the southern facade (see Figure 3.11 and 3.12).
Interior Generally unlined. Some sections used for display have fixed backing boards. The building contains a number of display cases donated by community members and industry (see Figure 3.13). The wool pavilion contains a sign, the Ron Wood Wool Pavilion, which is not mounted. Ron Wood was a long serving Show Secretary.
Integrity Fair
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Condition Good
Significance The Wool Pavilion is significant for its association with Ron Wood, long serving Mudgee Show Secretary, the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local Level
Figure 3.11 Wool Pavilion –showing the truck loading bay - facing south west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
Figure 3.12 Wool Pavilion interior – showing the central sliding doors to the Sheep 2 Section. – facing south. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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Figure 3.13 Wool Pavilion 1974 display case. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
3.2.4 Old Cattle and Storage Shed (Bld 8)
History Although the Cox Brothers brought cattle to the area in 1822, for many years prior to the erection of the Old Cattle Shed, cattle were not exhibited at the Mudgee Show because of the lack of a suitable venue.
Built to the west of, and parallel to, the Sheep Pavilion, this structure was not present in a 1971 street alignment plan of Mudgee. The shed was reportedly erected using recycled materials 17 from the demolished pig yards at the old Mudgee sale-yards in West End. In a 1962 aerial photo of South Mudgee a smaller shed was located in this area.18 The southern end of the building is a Storage Shed. Barry Rheinberger enclosed the original structure with corrugated galvanized steel in this area in 2005 to house equipment (see Figure 3.14). Demountable pig pens from the Sale Yards were stored in the Cattle Pavilion and used at Show time for many years.19 Further research recommended.
Physical Cattle Shed is located to the west of and parallel to the Sheep Pavilion. The low pitched gable roofs are on three levels, stepping up the site to accommodate the natural landform. The roof is supported by rough hewn round timber posts and timber rafters. The building is open except for corrugated steel and weatherboard storage area on the southern end. There is a dirt floor throughout and the storage area is secured in a steel mesh cage (see Figure 3.15).
17 Pat Birchall. Conversation with John Broadly September 2009 18 1971 Street Alignment plan and 1962 Aerial photo of South Mudgee held by Mid Western Regional Council. 19 Rayner, Gai Conversation with Jennifer McMonnies 28 October 2009 Gai also believes the Cattle Pavilion is much older than 1970s. Barry Rheinberger, President of the Mudgee Show Society agrees. There may be some confusion over the earlier smaller building on the site.
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Integrity Fair
Condition Fair
Significance The Old Cattle Shed is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and Mudgee Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local Level
Figure 3.14 Old Cattle Shed - southern end – facing North West. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Figure 3.15 Old Cattle Shed – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
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3.2.5 A W Cox Pavilion – Poultry & Pigeon, pre 1921 (Bld 14)
History This A W (Bill) Cox Pavilion, used for poultry and pigeon exhibits, was previously used for garden produce. In 2003 the building was named in memory of the late A. W. (Bill) Cox MBE (d.2002) (see Figure 3.16 and 3.17). Bill joined the Mudgee Show Society in the 1940s, was Secretary from 1956 to 1969 and President from 1970-1975, 1979-1980, 1982 and 1987-1994. He was also a keen poultry breeder and judge. His wife, the late Nita Cox, was also a long- serving member of the Show Society, serving as a committee member and Secretary, often in conjunction with her husband’s role as President.
The building was constructed in two stages. The eastern section is not present in the c.1907 photograph but is present in the 1921 Mudgee Centenary Souvenir booklet photograph (see Figure 2.17 and 2.18). The western skillion section was added c. 1980 by the Mudgee Poultry Club, using materials from the demolished caretaker’s cottage in the north-west corner of the showground. The western section was used as the animal nursery until the construction of the nearby Animal Nursery Pavilion in 1983.
Mudgee Master Plan recommends that the building be demolished due to the health risk of poultry close to the Kitchen/Dining Pavilion.
Physical The Cox Pavilion is parallel and adjacent to the Kitchen/Dining Pavilion. It has an unlined sawn timber framework clad in corrugated steel and a dirt floor. The north and south gables ends are clad in weatherboard. A c.1980 skillion roofed extension on the western side has effectively doubled the size of the pavilion.
Access is provided by a wide steel roller doors on the north and south of the original pavilion and corrugated steel clad timber framed single doors on the north and south façades of western extension.
Interior Banks of fixed bird cages on timber supports line the walls of both sections. A free standing central bank is in the centre of the original section (see Figure 3.18). Stormwater goods have recently been renewed.
Integrity Fair – skillion added in 1980 on the west.
Condition Structure and Cages – Fair Stormwater – Good
Significance The A W Cox Pavilion is significant for its association A W (Bill) Cox), the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust. The eastern side of the building is a representative example of an early 20th Century showground pavilion that has been adapted to suit changing needs.
East section: Moderate Significance at Local Level.
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Additions: Little Significance at Local Level
Policy • Consider retaining eastern section of the building and adapting structure to augment or support the adjacent Kitchen/ Dining Pavilion use. • Interpret the building on the site if eastern section of Cox Poultry Pavilion is demolished.
The pre-1920 eastern Pavilion could be adapted to support the use of the Kitchen/Dining. Possible uses could include adaptation to provide a shade and rest area, undercover eating area or used for storage.
Figure 3.16 A W (Bill) Cox MBE (circa 1980).
Figure 3.17 Cox Pavilion – northern façade – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
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Figure 3.18 Cox Pavilion1930s Section interior – banks of cages lining perimeter and centrally – facing north. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
3.2.6 Kitchen Dining Pavilion, 1935 (Bld 15)
History Approval was given by Mudgee Municipal Council in 1935 for the construction of a ‘luncheon room’ which is understood to have been under the current Grandstand. 20 The current Kitchen/Dining Pavilion was built in 1968 on a previously vacant site adjacent, and now with direct access to, the Main Pavilion.21 The kitchen was installed in 1986. An open verandah on the south22 used to entertain the judges and officials at show time, was rebuilt in 2005.
Physical The Kitchen/Dining Pavilion, located approximately 1m to the west of the Main Pavilion, is a rectangular gabled pavilion clad in corrugated steel supported by a steel tapered flange main framed. Roughly formed concrete piers support the steel frame. The northern section houses the Dining area and the southern section the Kitchen. Stormwater goods have recently been repaired.
The northern façade has a window covered by corrugated steel sheet and non compliant equal access ramp on the northern façade to a large roller door. The western façade has aluminium framed windows and a central double steel door with equal access ramp. The southern façade has two windows and a door providing access to the open verandah. The corrugated steel flat roofed verandah is supported by thin steel posts mounted on a concrete slab. The building is connected to the Main Pavilion on the east via an enclosed passage with steps and double timber doors (see Figure 3.19 and 3.20).
20 Mudgee Municipality Building Register, Mudgee Historical Society Archives 21 Bichall, P Meeting July 09 with John Broadley 22 The Mid Western Regional Council holds plans for the kitchen (see Appendix 5).
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Interior
Dining An open space with the walls lined with laminated panels similar to that in the Main Pavilion and Grandstand. The roof is lined with insulation, only the gable ends and the 600mm above the kitchen ceiling are not lined (see Figure 3.21).
The original 1935 electrical box is mounted on the northern wall and an early pine approx 2.4 metre long table is adjacent to the servery.
Kitchen The basic but functional kitchen stretches across the southern end of the building, while an attached cool room, accessed from the kitchen, projects into the south-eastern corner of the dining room. The walls and ceiling (approx. 2.7m high) of the kitchen are lined.
There is a central timber door and a serving hatch on the north wall of the kitchen.
Integrity Fair
Condition Structure – Fair Stormwater Goods – Good
Significance The Kitchen/Dining Pavilion, a representative example of a showground pavilion, is significant as a meeting place at Show time and for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local Level
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Figure 3.19 Kitchen Dining - northern façade –facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Figure 3.20 Kitchen Dining Pavilion verandah -facing north east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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Figure 3.21 Kitchen Dining interior– Kitchen servery and pine table – facing south. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
3.2.7 Grandstand c.1930s (Bld 18)
History The arena was located to the south of the site and a grandstand was erected in 1900 to overlook the centre of the arena (see Figure 2.18). When the arena was enlarged and extended further to the north by 1931, the current larger (500 seat) Grandstand was erected to overlook the centre of the new layout.23 As reuse of materials on the site was common, it is likely the former grandstand was dismantled and elements were reused in the new grandstand including the Federation board interior lining and possibly the corrugated steel that was replaced with ribbed sheet metal in 2005.24
Originally the pavilion under the seating housed the dining room, kitchen and laundry, and the floor was covered in sawdust.25 The room on the north-western corner was contains fitments from the former canteen/kitchen.
The office of the Secretary of Mudgee Show Society Inc. is located in the north-western section of the pavilion. The southern end of the pavilion is now primarily used for storage.
The area between the front of the grandstand and the arena has been traditionally used for official events such as the opening of the show from 1913 and Miss Showgirl contests. The Mudgee Town Band also used to perform here. In the first half of the 20th Century people, who were not members of the Show Society, had to pay to sit in the grandstand. Life member Dot
23 1931 Sewerage Map 24 Sections of the slender posts that appear to have come from the either the Original Grandstand or the former Caretaker’s Cottage are used in the framing of the Bar to the south of the grandstand. 25 Lindsay Warner, Interview September 2009 with J Broadley
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Birchall remembers the area in front of the current grandstand was enclosed with a white picket fence for the use of Show Society members until the c.1950.
Small attached structures at the rear on the north-western corner (bar, then the Show Society Secretary’s office) and south-western corner (soft drink stand), were removed in 2005. Sections of the roof, damaged in a wind storm, were replaced in early 2009.
Lindsay Warner, resident of the site during the 1930s and 1940s, remembers the grandstand was originally clad in corrugated steel, also replaced in 2005, and a bell stood in front of the grandstand just inside the arena. The bell was rung to indicate events were about to take place. A large bell is now stored in the southern end of the grandstand.
Physical The Grandstand and the Main Pavilion are the principal elements on the showground for their scale and relationship. Well located mid-way along the western side of the arena, the design of the Grandstand is a representative example of an Inter War showground grandstand.
The structure is sawn timber framed with block brackets, supported on concrete plinths. There are Queen post trusses and the framework is bolted together with strap T plate connector brackets. The original corrugated steel cladding on the north, south and western walls of building were removed and replaced with a ridged profile sheet metal in 2005 (see Figure 3.22 and 3.23).
The elevated tiered bench seating and access ways give a clear view of events in the arena, but the height of the eastern wall precludes good viewing of the whole of the presentation area in front of the grandstand.
The roof and gable ends are clad in corrugated steel. The eastern façade has a rendered brick wall with an open decorative brick pattern. Two sets of rendered brick and concrete stairs run parallel to the brickwork, exiting to the north and south.
The western façade has an awning over the double timber doors, now clad in flat sheet metal externally, that provide access to the storage area in the southern section of the pavilion.
Interior The pavilion is petitioned into a large storage area on the southern end with four small rooms to the north. The interior is partially lined with wide timber boards in a variety of profiles (probably recycled from the former grandstand) and c.1970s laminated panels. The raked ceiling is lined with corrugated steel sheet (see Figure 3.24 and 3.25). The pavilion contains a c. 400mm diameter early cast bell in the storage area and an early 20th Century timber table in the Secretary’s Office.
Integrity Fair, cladding replaced in 2005 and rainwater goods replaced in plastic. The new steel internal supports, installed at regular intervals, restrict the use of the open space in the southern room.
Condition
Exterior Good, Interior: Poor Corrugated steel raked ceiling fixings missing. Sections removed.
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Significance The 1930s Mudgee Showground Grandstand, a representative example of a showground grandstand, is highly regarded by the community as a primary community meeting place at Show time and as the home base of the Mudgee Show Society.
The substantial 1930s Grandstand and the 1909-1910 Main Pavilion combine to be the dominant elements the site and contribute to the overall character and significance of the Mudgee Showground.
The 1930s Grandstand has a strong historical association with the Mudgee Show Society and the former voluntary Mudgee Showground Trust, who continually struggled to provide appropriate accommodation on Crown Land to facilitate agricultural education and development for the benefit of the community.
High Significance at Local Level
Policy • Continue traditional uses of the Grandstand and Grandstand Pavilion • Restore interior spaces and finishes internally and externally. • Consider relocating storage to better utilize the major interior space. • Any modification to should not negatively impact on the fabric. • Provide disabled access to the Grandstand in a sensitive manner. • Prior to any work being carried out on the building ensure compliance with the policies in Section 6.2 of this report.
The interior of the Grandstand Pavilion should continue the historic use as the Mudgee Show Society’s office. The storage area should be structurally reinforced to restore the major open space.
Traditionally grandstand pavilions were used as Show Society offices, canteens, meeting rooms and an entertainment area for judges and stewards at Show time. It is recommended that consideration be given to relocating the storage and restoring the major interior space in order to provide an entertainment area for use of the Show Society that could also be rented during the year for smaller functions.
Mudgee Grandstand is one of the few grandstands that do not have damp problems in the interior due to ill advised modification. It is important that the design of any modification to the grandstand should protect the original fabric. If extra seating on the east is required, it should be self supporting, decorative ventilation vents in the eastern wall should not be occluded and the ground level should not be raised above the damp proof course of the grandstand.
Disabled access to the Grandstand could be installed from the Grandstand Pavilion or on the north or south eastern corners utilizing an unassisted DDA compliant low rise platform equal access lift;
In the long term the reinstate the original custom orb profile corrugated steel cladding.
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Figure 3.22 Grandstand – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Figure 3.23 Grandstand – facing south east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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Figure 3.24 Grandstand - interior storage area – facing south. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
Figure 3.25 Grandstand Secretary’s Office – corrugated steel raked ceiling -facing south east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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3.2.8 Stallion Stables (Bld 22)
History The Stallion Stables are not shown on the 1931 Sewerage Plan of Mudgee and are thought to have been constructed post World War II.26 This is supported by sawn timber framing. However, the wide timber board divisions between stalls are earlier material which suggests they may be recycled from the demolished 1912 stables that stood behind on along Madeira Road fence. 27
Physical The Stallion Stables are located parallel to the Madeira Road boundary near the entrance gates. This sawn timber framed building, clad and roofed in corrugated steel, consists of twelve stallion stalls back-to-back. There are twelve, much repaired, ledged and braced timber stable doors with iron screw hook and strap hinges (see Figure 3.26).
The partitions between each of the stalls are composed of early vertical timber boards nailed to the sawn timber framework and supported on a new concrete plinth. The stalls are lined with a heavy duty fabric for protect the horses (see Figure 3.27).
Integrity Poor due to alterations and patching.
Condition Stallion Stables – Fair: Rainwater Goods –Generally Fair, however the down pipe on the south east corner is discharging onto the ground.
Significance The Stallion Stables are significant for their continuous use for the purpose they were built since at least 1931 and their association with the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust and contribution to the character of Mudgee Showground.
Moderate Significance at Local Level
Policy • Continue traditional use. • Ensure storm-water goods are in good order and discharging directly to a storm-water drain. • Prior to any work being carried out on the building ensure compliance with the policies in Section 6.2 of this report.
26 Lindsay Warner, Interview Sept. 09 with J Broadley 27 Show Notes, Mudgee Guardian January 15, 1912 reported that eight of the loose boxes for stallions were almost complete and the charge for the boxes during Show Week would be 7 shillings and 6 pence . These were probably the Stables located along Madeira Road.
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Figure 3.26 Stallion Stables northern façade – facing south. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Figure 3.27 Stallion Stables – structure and stall lining – facing south east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
3.2.9 Western Stables (Bld 21)
History This extensive range of timber and concrete block stables, located along the southern end of the Douro Street Boundary, has been constructed in stages.
In the 1920s McBurney photograph stabling can be seen in this location on the boundary of Douro Street (see Figure 2.20). The round timber post framing of the ten boxes on the northern end of the stables suggests that they are remnants of pre 1920 stables.
The boxes on the southern end of the Stables, constructed in concrete block, are c.1970s. The western façade of the pre 1920s stables, originally clad in timber slab, was replaced with concrete block at that time. 28
28 Lindsay Warner, Interview September, 2009
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Wind damage in the early 2000s removed the roof of six of the c.1970s boxes and this has not been repaired.
Physical
Stables pre-1920s/1970s The ten pre 1920s Loose Boxes on the northern end of the Stables are constructed of rough hewn round timber posts supporting roofing timbers and a corrugated steel skillion roof. The northern wall and the eastern walls of the first two boxes are also clad in corrugated steel. The western wall of all the Loose Boxes was replaced with concrete block when the c. 1970s boxes were constructed.
The partitions separating each box are wide timber boards (of varying widths 125mm-160mm) with a single steel bolt top and bottom securing the boards to the timber framework. The ledged and braced timber doors on the first two northern boxes are higher and of a later date than the rest of the 1920 group. The remaining seven doors, ledged and braced externally, have wide timber slats. There is no top door on any of the stables (see Figure 3.28 and 3.29).
The rough hewn round timber posts supporting the doors are notched for railings indicating originally there was an open yard in front of each box.
Figure 3.28 Western Stables – eastern façade northern end – facing south west. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
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Figure 3.29 Stables – early timber board partitioning between stalls – facing North West. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. c.1970 Boxes and Tack Rooms The c. 1970s stables are steel framed with a corrugated skillion roof. The western and side walls are of concrete block. The gates are steel pipe (see Figure 3.30).
Figure 3.30 Stables -1970s Loose boxes – facing south west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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Integrity Poor - Continuous alterations and patching.
Condition
Rainwater Goods Poor. No rainwater goods are installed on any of the boxes causing falling damp damage to the concrete block wall.
Structure Fair – Roof Cladding: Poor in sections. Six of the c. 1970s boxes unroofed in early 2000s have not been repaired.
Significance The Stables are significant for their association with the Mudgee Show Society and the voluntary Showground Trust and for containing remnants of early fabric.
Little significance at Local Level.
3.2.10 Brick Amenities - Mid 20th Century (Bld 13)
History Undated and unsigned blue print of plans and typed specifications for men’s and ladies’ amenities block are held in the archives of Mudgee Historical society Inc. (see Figure 3.31). Blue prints developed in 1842 were progressively replaced by the diazo document copying process from 1935 to 1950.The design of the building suggests mid 20th Century construction. The block was extended to provide disabled access on the west at a later date c. 1970.
Physical A small flat concrete roofed red brick amenities building with timber framed windows and cubicle doors. Bricks painted internally. The extension to the west is similar in design and includes disabled Women’s facilities (see Figure 3.32).
Integrity Good – unaltered.
Condition Good – Structure. Fit-out – poor.
Significance The Brick Amenities building is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and the voluntary Mudgee Showground Trust.
Little significance at Local Level.
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Figure 3.31 Brick Amenities – undated blue print plan for original eastern section. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Figure 3.32 Brick Amenities – northern façade – facing south. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
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3.2.11 Bar (Bld 19)
History Constructed c.1930 using recycled timber probably from the original grandstand. In 2005 the Work for the Dole group under the direction of Show Society President Barry Rheinberger replaced the corrugated steel cladding with new corrugated steel, erected an awning on the east and concreted the earth floor. The original eastern timber shutters and one northern shutter were replaced with corrugated steel shutters. The original timber shutters along the southern side were removed and the wall was clad with corrugated steel.
In 1995 the building was known as the Refreshment Kiosk.
Physical Recycled timber framing with original painted corrugated steel gabled roof and walls clad in new corrugated steel. The gable ends are clad in the original Asbestos sheet and battens. Stormwater goods have been removed.
Internally the building is unlined, has a new concrete floor and the original timber servery/bar to the east.
Integrity Fair – various modifications
Condition Fair – Refix roof cladding; replace stormwater goods discharging into stormwater pipes or well away from all buildings.
Significance The Bar is significant for its continuous use since c.1930 as a bar/refreshment kiosk and for its association with the Mudgee Show Society and the voluntary Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local Level
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Figure 3.33 The Bar – facing west. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
3.2.12 Boundary Fences and Entrance Gates
History
Boundary Fences In 1883 the Mudgee Show Society was granted Lot 1 of land with 25 pounds for fencing probably the extensive fencing set back from the northern boundary as indicated on the 1903 Parish Map (see Figure 3.36). By c.1907 a paling boundary fence had been erected around the Lots 1 and 2. In the c.1920 McBurney photograph the paling fence appears to have been extended around the entire site (see Figures 2.17 and 2.20).
The current fencing along the entire boundary is a mixture of sheet metal, galvanized steel post and wire and concrete block, erected at various times during the late 20th Century.
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Figure 3.34 Douro Street Gate with sheet steel fencing to the north and Cyclone fencing on the south – facing east. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
Entrance Gates The main entrance to the showground has been on Nicholson Street since c. 1881. Originally it was further to the west and the only entrance to the showground, Show Society member Pat Birchall remembers assisting Dr Colin Jennings install timber gate posts in the 1960s. The current vehicular steel entrance gates and posts are c.1990.29 The pair of Victorian cast iron pedestrian gates that now flank the vehicular entrance may have been reused from the Caretaker’s Cottage or donated. Previously, pedestrian entry to the showground was via an entrance further east, opposite Perry Street, with dual ticket boxes and wooden turnstiles.30
By c.1907 a Douro Street gate, located further to the south of the current gate, had been installed and remained in this location until c.1920 (see Figure 2.17 and 2.20).
The current steel gates on Douro Street, Madeira Road and the Cattle Gate on Douro Street were installed during the late 20th Century (see Figure 3.34).
29 Current gates were not installed in 1988 Aerial Photo (see Figure 3.37) 30 Lindsay Warner, Interview September 09
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Figure 3.35 Main Gate on Nicholson Street -facing south. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
Physical
Gates The Main Gate has two vertical steel bar gates hung on steel round posts connected by a steel bar over the opening. They are flanked by two Victorian decorative cast iron pedestrian gates and horizontal round timber post flanges. All the elements are painted white. The other gates are steel framed with wire mesh.
Integrity Main Gate: Good – mixture of styles illustrates the recycling of materials. Others Gates: Good.
Condition Main Gate: Excellent Other Gates: Good
Significance Main Gate fabric is of little significance for its contribution to the Mudgee Showground. The main entrance on Nicholson Street is of historic significance as it has been in the vicinity of this location since 1881.
Atkinson Street Main Entrance: Moderate Significance at Local Level Other Gates: Little Significance for contribution to the Mudgee Showground.
Policy • Retain the Nicholson Street main entrance to the Showground.
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• If relocation of the main entrance is required, interpret the Nicholson Street entrance as the original main entrance. • Prior to any work being carried out on the building ensure compliance with the policies in Section 6.2 of this report.
The Main Entrance to the Mudgee Showground has been located on Nicholson Street since the site was first occupied in 1881. The Nicholson Street entrance should be retained. If however, the relocation of the main entrance is required, interpret the Nicholson Street entrance as the original main entrance.
Fences Steel posts and chain mesh fencing (Cyclone) approximately 2.4 high are along the north, east and southern boundaries.
The southern end of the western boundary is defined by the concrete block back wall of the Stables. The central section of the western boundary has galvanized steel posts with chain mesh fencing, and the northern end is ribbed sheet metal ribbed sheet fencing.
Integrity Poor – Various materials and styles.
Condition Fences: Fair
Significance The fences are significant for their association with the Mudgee Show Society and voluntary Showground Trust.
Little Significance at Local Level
Policy: • Maintain fences by keeping weed growth down and renewing painted finishes at regular intervals • Endeavour to uniform style and finish to fences in the long term to enhance the presentation of the Showground.
3.2.13 The Arena
History A detailed history of the evolution of the Mudgee Showground Arena can be found in Section 2.11. Although the position and size of the arena at Mudgee Showground has changed several times since the first Mudgee Show in 1883, each successive arena has been placed on the same axis: north-northeast Æ south-southwest probably due to the low lying wash area on the south east of the site.
The arena is the key element in the Showground that defines the focus and location of activities and structures. It is of prime importance to the working of the showground as a competition space for animals and for the viewing of entertainment, particularly from the Grandstand. The Arena is fenced the entire length for safety and convenience of the patrons.
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Physical The arena is fenced with galvanized steel posts and mesh with several single and double gates. It has a trotting track inside the fence and grass in the centre.
Integrity Good
Condition Fence and Gates: Good Trotting Track: Poor Interior Grass: Patchy
Significance The Arena is the key element at the Showground that defines the focus and location of the activities and structures on the site.
High Significance at Local Level
Policy • The Arena should remain although it may be expanded or reduced in size according to need. • Maintain fences by keeping weed growth down and renewing painted finishes at regular intervals • Endeavour to retain the uniform style and finishes to fences with any new work. • Any structures placed within the Arena should be not impact on the viewing areas from the west or inhibit the traditional use of the Showground. • Prior to any work being carried out ensure compliance with the policies in Section 6.2 of this report.
Figure 3.36 “1903” parish map of Mudgee, showing the Showground. Lands Dept.
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3.3 Late 20th Century Structures
This section includes a summary of the history, physical and significance assessment of the late 20th Century structures on the Mudgee Showground. Specific policies for items of significance should be read in conjunction with Section 6.2 of this Conservation Management Plan. The assessment criteria can be found in Section 4.2. The locations of the buildings can be found on Figure 1.2.
The aerial photograph of the showground, taken during the Mudgee Small Farm Field Day 1988 provides evidence of the more recent history of the site (see Figure 3.35)31 .
Figure 3.37 Small Farm Field Day 1988 Aerial View of the Mudgee Showground. Source: Mudgee Master Plan
Building Date of Comments construction New Cattle Shed (Bld 7) 1970s History: The Pig Selling Centre at the Mudgee Sale- yards was not a success. When it closed in 1970s A W (Bill) Cox relocated this former pig shed to the Showground.32 Physical The New Cattle Shed is located to the north of Figure 3.38 New Cattle Shed the Douro Street Gate adjacent to the western boundary. It is a steel framed open structure with a corrugated sheet steel roof. It has an earth floor and steel panels along the eastern and western facades and no fascia to the
31 Mudgee Showground Master Plan February 2009 p15 32 Barry Rheinberger, President of Mudgee Show Society, telephone 2 November, 2009 with J McMonnies
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Building Date of Comments construction guttering. Condition Fair – steel framing rusting, guttering damaged. Significance As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level Caretaker’s Cottage c.1980 History (Bld 2) Located to the west of the Main Gate on Nicholson Street. The building was erected c. 1980 as the office of the Small Farm Field Days committee.The building can be seen the 1988 Aerial photograph of the site. Physical A single storey timber framed and fibre cement Figure 3.39 Caretaker’s plank clad cottage with a hipped corrugated Cottage. Photo: J Broadley, steel roof. Windows are aluminum framed. 2009. Condition Fair Significance Provides physical evidence of the Small Farm Field Days commitment to the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level Gate House (Bld 1) 1983 History This small gate house/ ticket office was erected by the Small Farm Field Days committee in 1983 to demonstrate the possibilities of using found local materials. Physical Located immediately to the west of the Main Gate on Nicholson Street. A small rectangular Figure 3.40 Gate House building constructed using mud brick for the (Bld 1). walls with a corrugated steel gabled roof and Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. sawn timber joinery. The southern façade has a timber door below a deep timber lintel. The eastern façade has timber shutters to the serving counter. A timber frame on the east supports climbing roses. Condition Good Significance Enhances the entrance and provides physical evidence of the Small Farm Field Days commitment to the Mudgee Showground
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Building Date of Comments construction Little Significance at Local Level Animal Nursery 1983 History Westpac Farmyard Built in 1983 with contributions from Westpac Nursery (Bld 6) the Poultry Club and the Mudgee Show Society. Physical Corrugated steel clad gabled shed supported on a portal steel frame. Concrete slab floor, with a hung door and a wide roller door. Sign on the building “Westpac Farmyard Nursery”. Figure 3.41 Animal Nursery, Condition Westpac Farmyard Nursery Good (Bld 6). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Significance As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level Woodworkers Aquila c.1990 History Pavilion (Bld 5) Constructed c.1990. Occupied by the Mudgee/Gulgong Woodworkers Club throughout the year. Supported by Aquila, a commercial exhibitor. Physical Steel portal frame with gabled roof and Colorbond cladding to walls and roof. Concrete Figure 3.42 Woodworkers floor and access is via two roller doors. Not Aquila Pavilion (Bld 5). present in an aerial photograph of the Photo: J Broadley, 2009. showground in 1988. Condition Good Significance As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground Little Significance at Local Level
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Building Date of Comments construction Site Office (Bld 4) Post 1988 History Constructed post 1988 by Small Farm Field Days committee. Small office, brick piers timber floor weatherboard walls and corrugated steel skillion roof. Description Located on the north west and overlooking the arena. Figure 3.43 Site Office (Bld 4). Condition Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Fair Significance Provides physical evidence of the Small Farm Field Days commitment to the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level Canteen ( Bld 17) Pre 1988 History Steel framed clad in corrugated steel. Present in an aerial photograph of the showground in 1988. Physical Steel framed clad in corrugated steel with open weather protection on the west.
Figure 3.44 Canteen Condition (Bld 17). Photo: J Broadley, Good 2009. Significance: As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level Pony Club (Bld 23) Post 1988 History Located on the south west of the arena. Not present in an aerial photograph of the showground in 1988. Nearby, on the arena fence, there used to be two rodeo chutes and a set of yards.33 Physical Figure 3.45 Pony Club Flat roofed building clad in ribbed sheet metal. (Bld 23). Awnings on the north and east. Photo: J Broadley, 2009.
Condition Good Significance As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level
33 Lindsay Warner, Interviewed by John Broadley September 2009.
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Pony Club Shed Post 1988 History (Bld 24) Not present in an aerial photograph of the showground in 1988. Used for storage of pony club equipment Physical A rectangular shed clad in ribbed sheet metal. Condition Good Figure 3.46 Pony Club Shed Significance (Bld 24). Photo: J Broadley, 2009. As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground. Little Significance at Local Level New Amenities Block 1983 History (Bld 20) Erected to plans prepared by J M Garratt in 1986. Architectural drawings held by Mid- Western Regional Council (See Appendix 5). Physical Corrugated steel gabled roof supported by a blonde brick structure Condition Figure 3.47 New Amenities Good Block (Bld 20 Photo: J Significance Broadley, 2009. As an integral part of the Mudgee Showground Little Significance at Local Level
3.4 Movable Heritage Movable heritage is always at risk of being lost, moved, loaned or forgotten. It is important that items of heritage value are recorded, kept in a secure place in storage conditions appropriate to the item.
It is recommended that a Moveable Heritage Inventory be established recording all known details about the memorabilia on the site. Details should include, where known, the subject, detail description, donor and/or recipients and date. A photograph of the item should be included in the inventory. See Movable Heritage Principles at NSW Heritage Branch website at http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/03_index.htm#M-O .
The location of some movable heritage associated with the Mudgee Show Society, such as historic perpetual trophies and historic show schedules, is currently unknown. Every effort should be made to locate, record, display or safety store these items with copies of any historic photographs of the site.
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The Movable Heritage items located on the Mudgee Showground include:
Item Location Detail Turret Bell Grandstand History Pavilion- A bell stood in front of the Grandstand just storage area inside the arena. Until at least the mid 20th southern end Century the bell was rung to alert the community that events were about to take place.34 Description A c. 400mm turret bell with cast curved headstock with cast in cannon and a heavy steel chain attached to the clapper. The Figure 3.48 Turret Bell. Photo: bearings were not located. J McMonnies, 2009. Integrity Good Condition Good Significance The Turret Bell is significant as it provides evidence of past practices on the showground. High Significance at Local Level Policy Record, reuse or reinstate as part of interpretation of the site. Refectory Table Kitchen/Dining History Pavilion Erected c.1930s. Provenance not established - possibly a kitchen table donated from one of the larger historic houses. Further research recommended. Description Approximately 4 m x 1m long refectory pine table with no central support. Natural finish with scrubbed top and the four corner legs of unadorned tapered pine. Figure 3.49 Pine Table. Integrity Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Good Condition Fair Significance The Refectory Table is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society but further investigation into the provenance may prove to enhance the significance. Potentially High Significance at Local Level Policy Establish provenance. Record, continue current use or store.
34 Lindsay Warner, Interview September, 2009 with John Broadley
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Secretary’s Office Table Grandstand History Pavilion: Provenance unknown. Possibly donated. Mudgee Show Further research required Mudgee Show Description Society Early 20th Century approximately 2m x 1mm Secretary’s table raised on four slim turned legs. office Integrity Good Condition Structure: Good. Surface finish to top: Figure 3.50 Secretary’s Office degraded and cracked. Table. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009. Significance Mudgee Show Society Secretary’s Office Table is significant for its association with the Mudgee Show Society. Potentially High Significance at Local Level Policy Establish provenance. Record, continue use, and consider restoring in the long term. Mudgee Show Society Main Pavilion History Past Presidents Board The Past Presidents’ Board only covers the period from 1988 to 2005 and has sufficient space to house 60 names. Description Approximately 2 x 1 m board in timber veneer surrounded by raised up-stand. Integrity Figure 3.51 President Honour Good Board. Photo: J Broadley, 2009. Condition Good Significance The Mudgee Show Society Past President’s Board is significant as recognition of the outstanding voluntary commitment made by presidents of the Show Society from 1988- 2005. High significance at Local Level Policy Record and mount the Presidents Board in a publicly accessible location with interpretation of the long and integral role the Mudgee Show Society has played at the Showground. Locate any earlier Honour Boards listing the Presidents from 1846 to 1887 and record, interpret and mount in a publicly accessible location with interpretation. Upright Display Cabinet Wool Pavilion History Upright display cabinet in the Wood Pavilion, donated to the ‘Mudgee Wool Hall’ in 1974, the year the Wool Pavilion was erected. Description Solid timber framed upright cabinet with three shelves and the donors identified on a plaque at the top. It has three sliding glazed doors in aluminum frames. Integrity Figure 3.52 Upright Display Cabinet. Photo: J McMonnies, Good
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Condition Good Significance: The 1974 Upright Display Cabinet provides evidence of public support for then new Wool Pavilion at the Mudgee showground. Moderate Significance at Local Level Policy Record, continued use or store. Shallow Display Cabinet Wool Pavilion History Shallow display cabinets donated to the ‘Mudgee Wool Hall’ in 1975, the year after the Wool Pavilion was erected. Description Well crafted solid timber framed cabinets with glazed lid and front, mounted on painted steel legs. Decorative metal lock and a plaque stating “Donated to the Mudgee Wool Section by the Commercial Wool Section in 1975” on Figure 3.53 Shallow Display the lid. Cabinet. Photo: J McMonnies, Integrity 2009. Good Condition Good Significance The Shallow Display Cabinet is a well crafted timber cabinet provides evidence of public support for the new wool pavilion at the Mudgee showground. Moderate Significance at Local Level Policy Record, continued use or store. Ron Wood Pavilion Sign Wool Pavilion History Ron Wood, wool classing teacher at Mudgee TAFE, was the Mudgee Show Society secretary during 1970s. Description Unmounted sign in the Wool Pavilion ‘Ron Wood Pavilion’. Integrity Good Condition Good Significance The Ron Wood Pavilion sign provides evidence of the history of the site and the contribution by Ron Wood, Secretary of the Mudgee Show Society and Wool Classing teacher. Moderate Significance at Local Level Policy Consult with Mudgee Show Society regarding the officially renaming the Wood Pavilion the ‘Ron Wood Wool Pavilion’. Record, store or mount the sign on the building. Metal Towers East and west History side of Arena Two metal towers, associated with horse events. At show time the taller tower is pulled around the arena to the desired location.
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Description Steel towers with corrugated steel roofs, located on the eastern and western side of the arena. Integrity Fair Condition Tall tower: Fair Small Tower: Poor Significance The towers provide evidence of use of the showground. Little Significance at Local Level Policy Reuse or remove after recording if not required.
Figure 3.54 Metal Towers. Photo: J McMonnies, 2009.
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