BALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL
Harrow-Balmoral Road BALMORAL, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The Balmoral Showground is situated approximately on a 26 acre reserve within the boundaries of the original township. The site is approximately one kilometer north west from the centre of the township on the Harrow-Balmoral Road. Within the reserve there are a number of structures which relate specifically to the annual Pastoral and Agricultural Society show. These include a large oval showing ring in the centre of the site, a sheep/pig display shed, a poultry shed, cattle/horse stalls, a kiosk, luncheon hall, display hall, office and various other small buildings. There are also buildings for the local football club located on the site, and a large shed which has been built for agricultural research.
How is it significant?
The Balmoral showground is of historical and social significance to the township of Balmoral and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
The Balmoral Showground is of historical significance for its important early role in the development of a local Agricultural and Pastoral Society, reflecting the interests of the surrounding pastoral community. The showground is of further significance as a physical representation of the importance of pastoralism to the area, particularly in the nineteenth and twentieth century. They are also significant for their social associations with the community, as Pastoral and Agricultural Shows have always been a very important social focus for country people. The Balmoral Show has had a long standing association and recognition throughout the Shire since the 1870s as an important local institution, where local people were able to gain recognition for their produce and skills, where new products were exhibited, and as an important local event on the social calendar. The showgrounds provide an important community meeting place, serving as the venue or clubrooms for a variety of community groups and the local people. The success and popularity of the Balmoral Show demonstrates the continuing strong pastoral and agricultural focus of the local community, and the importance placed on this.
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BALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Physical Conditions
The buildings are in good condition.
BALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Physical Description 1
The Balmoral showground is a large 26 acre reserve which is located on the south side of the Balmoral - Harrow road, approximately 1 kilometer from the centre of the township. The reserve has been clear felled to create a large open space. The reserve is marked by a simple post and wire fence. The reserve contains several structures which are representative of its dual usage's. A large oval is located in the centre of the reserve, fenced by curved metal piping fence. The oval is used for animal exhibitions and competitions at Show time, and otherwise is used as the venue for playing football and cricket by the town's teams. There are several wooden benches for spectators located around the oval. A clubrooms for the football and cricket clubs exists overlooking the oval. Four tennis courts and a basket ball court have been erected, these are used for local basketball and netball competitions. A range of typical showground buildings dating from the 1960s have been constructed, including a ticket booth, offices, a publican's booth, pavilions and poultry sheds. These are complimented by the arrival of the usual itinerant amusement rides, games and food stalls.
The structures date from the 1960s are typical of their type being light weight framed structures, mostly clad in corrugated iron. Some are specific in their forms such as the grandstand and poultry sheds.BALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.5 Developing primary production
3.5.2 Breeding animals
3.5.3 Developing agricultural industries
Theme 5: Working
5.8 Working on the land
Theme 8: Developing Australia's cultural life
8.5 Forming associations
8.14 Living in country and rural settlementsBALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Usage/Former Usage
Showgrounds
Netball, Basketball, Football and Cricket clubs meeting and playing venueBALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Integrity
high degree of integrity
BALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Physical Description 2
Charles Officer, founding member and president of the Upper Glenelg and Wimmera Pastoral Society
Thomas Robertson, first president of the Balmoral Pastoral and Agricultural Society.
Mr. Hayman, first secretary of the Balmoral Pastoral and Agricultural Society
Peter McKecknie, first assistant of the Balmoral Pastoral and Agricultural SocietyBALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVAL - Physical Description 3
Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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BALMORAL SHOWGROUNDS AND OVALSouthern Grampians Shire
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