After eight years and more than $30,000 in community donations, the Shoalhaven Poultry Group auctions have come to an end.
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The auctions have been held three times a year in the Poultry Pavilion at the Berry Showground.
However, a decision by the Berry Show Society not to loan any committee-owned equipment has seen the club left without a base for its auctions.
Shayne Earley from the Shoalhaven Poultry Group said the decision has disappointed the club, poultry fanatics and community organisations who benefit from the auction’s proceeds.
“Everyone is a bit shell-shocked at the moment,” she said.
“We’ve raised between $30,000 and $40,000 over the eight years, with the majority going to Hands Across NSW for drought relief, and more going to Taste of Paradise, local schools and other events in the area.”
“It’s just so sad that these pens will only be used one day of the year at Berry Show and I’m disappointed that a small group of community members can just cancel an event that brings so much joy to so many.”
- Shayne Earley, Shoalhaven Poultry Group
Ms Earley said the auctions always have a waiting list and around 300 people in attendance, who travel from around the state to attend.
The Berry Show Society said the decision to stop lending facilities came after some damage was sustained.
“The Berry Show Society Committee recently passed a motion to reconsider the loaning of Show Society owned equipment after a 12 month period in which multiple pieces of Berry Show Society owned equipment was not returned clean and undamaged and consequently in need of repair resulting in considerable cost and inconvenience to the Show Society,” a society statement said.
“The Berry Show Society has invested substantial amounts of its own funds in the showground precinct, and will continue to do so in the future.”
The society said the poultry cages were built in 2003, together with a new Poultry Pavilion, which was built over a period of 18 months after the original poultry shed was damaged beyond repair as a result of severe weather.
“In order to retain some of the early character of the cages, they were constructed using parts of the original cages by recovering and using the original wire fronts from the damaged cages, but otherwise with all new materials purchased by and constructed by, and for, the Berry Show Society,” the society said.
Ms Earley said it was unfortunate that the Shoalhaven Poultry Club will no longer be able to support Rotary and the Berry Farm Field Days next year.
“The little chicks have always been a big drawcard with the kids and it’s sad that it will have to end,” she said.
“It’s just so sad that these pens will only be used one day of the year at Berry Show and I’m disappointed that a small group of community members can just cancel an event that brings so much joy to so many.”
While the decision has been passed to stop lending equipment to the Shoalhaven Poultry Club, the show society did not comment on whether this ruling would apply to other events held at the Berry Showground.