THE 123rd round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants has resulted in a windfall for the Marburg Show Society.

Officially known as the Marburg and District Agricultural and Industrial Association, the volunteer group won a $26,000 grant to extend its roof and to buy equipment.

Show secretary Sue Kunde was overjoyed when she heard the news, last week.

The money will be used to broaden undercover areas and to buy seats and tables.

Last year, a band playing at an event were huddled close together to avoid getting wet because it was raining.

It’s experiences like these that encouraged Sue to apply for the grant.

Currently temporary shelters like gazebos are used, when it’s hot or raining.

“During events like the gardening expo, people buy food from the canteen, then sit under the shade to eat it,” she said.

“At the moment there’s not a lot of shade and some people sit and eat under the hot sun.

“Having added shelter means more people can eat in comfort if it’s hot or raining.”

The money they’ve been given is not a paltry amount, it’s a significant sum that will make a real difference.

“It would have taken years if we had to fundraise that amount,” Sue said.

“There is so much maintenance needed around the place and running costs that every time you make money, you’re not really getting ahead.

“You could make $20,000 but you’re only getting maybe $2,000 of that to put aside [into savings].”

Sue said the extra shade and new furniture would make attending events at the Marburg Showground more appealing.

“We can also hire the space out to groups that require undercover areas rather than being under the sun or huddled under a small shelter when it rains,” Sue said.

“It makes things more appealing, and events will run smoother thanks to this upgrade.”