Emma Pritchard

As they stood below the sign, displaying the name of the new pavilion at the Maclean Showground last week, they agreed it was “a very appropriate choice.”

Officially called the Rocky Mouth Pavilion, and Bilwaali-gu Umaaga in the traditional Yaegl language which means home to all, the new facility was officially opened by Tim Capp, President of the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW during a special ceremony at the 2021 Maclean Show on April 21.

Mr Capp described it as a great honour to be the special guest at the event last week, adding it was his first visit to Maclean Showground.

Acknowledging the magnificent view of the Clarence River, nearby hills and cane fields from the Rocky Mouth Pavilion, Mr Capp said the building stands on a very special spot and the name, which was a popular nomination expressed by community members via online submission, is extremely fitting.

“The building is going to be used by many different groups for years to come, and the traditional name is very apt because it is home to all,” he said.

Clarence Valley Council Mayor Jim Simmons and President of the Maclean Show Society Brian Ferrie were also present at the official ceremony.

Mr Simmons said the Maclean Showground is “truly one of the best showgrounds on the North Coast”, while Mr Ferrie was pleased to see so many people using the new pavilion during the show.

The Rocky Mouth Pavilion was built after the original pavilion was destroyed during a severe storm in 2018.

Materials from the original pavilion including trusses and weather boards, were used during its construction to preserve its history and heritage.