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On the 5th November 1986 –four lighting towers were erected around the main arena to allow lighting of the main arena for Saturday night attractions. As usual, the man power was provided by the dedicated team of volunteers.
Another huge voluntary operation was undertaken commencing in 1999 and culminating in 2002 with the completion of the Historic Cattle Sale Ring Complex – This enormous project was made possible by a federal grant celebrating “Year of Federation” being won, plus assistance from City of Greater Dandenong, an Agricultural Grant from the State Department of Sustainability and the Environment and our own funding.
The completion and ongoing maintenance has been funded by donation, mostly from community minded companies and individuals with links to our rural past, by way of displaying a perpetual sign on the walls of the shed, a long with our memorabilia of the era. To date there are more than 75 signs on the walls.
The complex was built to house the Milker Ring that was saved and restored by the society when the Dandenong Stock Market was closed and dismantled.
This building has been a major boost for use on show days and the Scottish day, but the building can be hired for breed days, seminars, etc. It has even been successfully used for a wedding ceremony and the tiered seating of the arena is ideal for large family photographs, etc. The committee plans to utilize this venue as an educational facility to teach the young about the agricultural heritage of Dandenong and environs.
Since 1908 when the first honorary life membership was awarded to Mrs. P. J. McQuade for an
outstanding contribution to the work and aims of the Society and/or the Society’s exhibitions, more than 120 people have been awarded honorary life memberships. In recognition of these people who have contributed towards our Society, an honour board was dedicated by Mr. J. W. Rae OAM (longest serving active committeeman since 7/5/48) in August, 2006.
Updated: April
2007
Sources: Dandenong Journal Centenary Show Feature November 1971
A Show Ring Saga by Greg Dickson
Destination Dandenong – Lesley Alves (Heritage Hill Dandenong)
Agricultural Shows in Australia – A Survey by Kate Darian-Smith and Sara Wills
DAPS Minute Books
