Cooroy Show Society Grounds

DETAILS

Description
On 23 December 1909, a 20-acre reserve was proclaimed in Cooroy for the purpose of recreation and the establishment of a showground. The first Cooroy Show was opened by Noosa Shire Councillor A. Douglas in May 1919 and featured horticultural displays. By 1925, the Society had made several improvements to the showgrounds, including a new pavilion with contemporary reports describing it as the ‘most picturesque and well-appointed’ showgrounds on the North Coast. The Pavilion was removed in 1995 and new facilities developed to include modern sports facilities as part of this multi-purpose precinct. The grounds now form part of the master planned Cooroy Sports Complex area owned by Noosa Council which extends to land on the opposite side of Mary Valley Road.

At the time of the Cooroy Show Society’s establishment, there was some contention in the region as to where a district agricultural show would be held. Cooran, Cooroy and Pomona were all put forward as possible locations and despite both Cooroy and Cooran having land for a showground immediately available, Pomona was the site selected. Cooroy eventually established their own show on the land set aside for showgrounds and the Cooroy Fruit, Horticultural, Industrial and Sports Society was formed.

The original show pavilion measured 50 ft by 30 ft, with special provision made in the walls for ventilation and light which was important for the display of fruit and vegetables. Luncheon rooms were added near the pavilion in 1926. The 1925 pavilion was demolished ca 1995.
AddressGarnet Street and Mary River Road,Cooroy

Photograph

Black Mountain District, Fruit & Vegetable exhibit, Cooroy Show, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, 1949

Cooroy Motors exhibition, Cooroy Show, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, August 1952

Cricket Match, Cooroy Showgrounds, Cooroy, 1911

Flooding, Cooroy Showgrounds, Cooroy, February 1968

Grandfinal football match, Cooroy v Nambour, Cooroy Showgrounds, Cooroy, 10 August 1912

Horsemanship, Cooroy Show, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, 1950s

Machinery display, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, ca 1990s

Pavilion, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, 21 January 1995

Pineapple exhibit, Cooroy Show, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, August 1951

Pony Club Gymkhana, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, late 1970s

Sports ground, Mary River Road, Cooroy, ca 1990s

Woodchop, Cooroy Showgrounds, Mary River Road, Cooroy, ca 1970

Article & Manuscript

Cooroy Show Society Grounds - Local Heritage Place Card

IDENTIFIERS

Subject (Keywords)CommunityFarmingShow

CONNECTIONS

LocalityCooroyHeritage ListingNoosa Local Heritage RegisterMenuLocation | CooroyTopic | Community