The tireless efforts of community service workers have dramatically transformed the Illabo Showgrounds and adjacent motorsport racetrack.
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Busloads of workers – supplied by GEO and overseen by NSW Department of Justice – have put in over 900 man hours across 15 months.
The overhaul has included mowing, painting, planting trees and erecting fences.
The showgrounds are now in a vastly improved condition with next month’s Illabo Show rapidly approaching.
“This has been a really big advantage for us,” Illabo Showground Trust chairman David Carter said.
“It’s really made it looks like a showground and has transformed the place from what it normally looks like at this time of year.”
“It’s not just the show but the other events we’ll have there during the year, where we have visitors and people come through and experience a very pleasing aesthetic feel.”
The workers have also turned an empty paddock into an immaculate 300 metre dirt race track.
Racetrack upgrades include the installation of safety and spectator fences, as well as tire barriers.
The track now meets national safety standards, allowing Illabo Motorsport Park to host major events.
“Now that the track meets national standards, we’ll be able to host events which attract people here from all over,” Illabo Motorsport Park’s Kerry Phelan confirmed.
“Now we’re talking about wider benefits for the town and the surrounding area.”
Mr Phelan was blown away by the scale and success of the project.
“Without everyone’s help, none of this could have happened,” Mr Phelan said.
The Illabo Show is on October 8, while the racetrack’s next major event is the inaugural Bill Shevill Vintage Classic on October 22.