The highlight of this year’s Stanthorpe Show was the official opening of the mezzanine floor at the Peter Bonner Exhibition Centre by Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi.
Show president Brett Boatfield said the president of Queensland Ag Shows, David Wilson, had been in attendance and had been ‘thoroughly impressed’ with the facility.
About 70 people witnessed the special moment, which Mr Boatfield said had been a long time coming.
“It was pretty much a five-year project,” he said.
Situated in the western section of the Peter Bonner Exhibition Centre overlooking the main ring, the new function room is designed to meet the needs of people for meetings, conferences, workshops and special functions.
Served by two stairways and a lift, the 24m by 12m space has a capacity to seat 100 people (200 standing) and features two big TVs for presentations, a bar area, a kitchenette and a portable stage and PA system.
The construction was made possible with grants from the Federal Government Regional Agricultural Show Development Fund ($528,000), the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund (combined grants of $135,000) and the Bendigo Bank ($15,000).
