Vandals smashed over 30 windows at the Murrumburrah Showground on Saturday afternoon in a senseless and idiotic act.
The venue played host to the Rosecomb Bantam Club of Australia Nationals on Sunday where exhibitors were greeted with the mess. Jim Loader arrived at approximately 2pm on Saturday to meet several exhibitors, many who had travelled from regional and interstate towns and cities to compete in the Poultry Show.
On arrival 2 male youths were seen loitering around the Secretary’s Pavillion. Another youth was witnessed coming out of the kitchen area which had been previously locked. Forced entry was used to gain access to the kitchen area. When confronted the 3 youths ran off but not before being identified by members of the Poultry Club.
It is estimated that the repair cost will be in excess of $2000, a dollar amount that Jim Loader said the show doesn’t need. He said, “It’s hard enough maintaining the building without having to pay for unnecessary repairs. It makes you wonder sometimes why we should keep going when people do stupid and criminal damage to a community building”.
The 3 boys are being asked to come forward and present themselves to the local police before receiving a knock on the door.
Murrumburrah Harden Show President Greg Sanderson said “The expense of this incident is just another impact on the cost of running the show we don’t need. The Show Society and Trust has been run by volunteers and the community for the last 126 years. It is to provide the district with an annual agricultural show. Gate prices have been maintained at $10 a head since 2009 to thank the volunteers and the community for their effort. It is sad for the people who caused this damage, that the only contribution they are capable of making to our community is to throw rocks through windows”.
If any members of the public have more information on the damage caused at the showground please contact Senior Constable Tom Poole of the Harden Police on 6386 2644.