Scenes from last year’s Northam Agricultural Show.
Camera IconScenes from last year’s Northam Agricultural Show. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Show back despite vandalism

Staff ReporterHills Avon Valley Gazette

The October vandalism shocked the community and everyone involved in one of the longest-running shows in Regional WA.

Northam Agricultural Society chief pavilion steward Fiona Brown said show organisers were still struggling to come to terms with the destruction of some of the town’s most important history.

A group of youths were later charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and theft after they went on a rampage at the showgrounds, destroying thousands of dollars worth of furniture and show memorabilia.

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‘We are still awaiting insurance on what is repairable and replaceable,’ Ms Brown said.

She said it had taken hours of voluntary work by committee members to raise funds to meet the likely shortfall in insurance to repair the pavilion.

‘We are well on our way, with the generous support from many individuals, local community groups and businesses,’ she said.

Ms Brown said York, Toodyay and Northam were all finding it difficult to raise the funds needed to support their annual shows.

‘We all continue to need the wider communities support,’ she said.

‘Our agricultural shows are iconic to our history and provide vital, informative outlets for the promotion of skills and products within our community, as well as showcasing the agricultural, horticultural, industrial and general developments within our district.’