Yesterday was a first, the Lismore App went to the opening of a toilet block.

While there is humour in that fact, there is also some seriousness surrounding the recently upgraded toilet block at the Lismore Showgrounds as it provides better access for those with disabilities and mobility problems.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan opened the toilet block with Director of North Coast National Brad Lancaster.

Mr Hogan saying he was first approached by Secretary of North Coast National Mark Bailey in 2018 to ask for funding to upgrade the facilities. "Mark told me that over 200,000 people use the showground each year and among those were groups like Red Inc, Pony Rides and other groups catering to groups with disabilities and the toilet facilities were simply not up to requirements".

"I had no hesitation in accessing funding through the Helping Communities program and today we can see the result with a state of the art facility making the showground more accessible for people with a disability.

Local building company Joel Jensen completed the upgrade.

More improvements are to come with $4 million to improve walkways at the eastern end of the grounds so people with disabilities and mobility problems can easily access all the great events that will be held at the Lismore Showgrounds once large events can be held following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Bard Lancaster said "the showgrounds is the hub of every community so it is pleasing to see the upgrades and improvements being made to the facilities here".

Some more good news for the Lismore Showground when the Federal Government announced $36 million in funding to support agricultural show societies.

“Agricultural shows are part of the fabric of our community, showcasing everything positive about our communities and local industries,” Mr Hogan said.

“The Supporting Agricultural Shows program will provide a one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies to deal with cash flow pressures.”

“There is a real risk that if we had not helped our small shows, all of which are run by volunteers, could fold.”

Indeed the precarious financial position of the showground was reported by the Lismore App in May. With eligible local shows possibly receiving $70,000 this will help cover the day to day operations of running the showground while there is no revenue coming in from major events.

President John Gibson saying "It is good to see the Federal Government make an announcement for show societies because all the show societies around Australia are hurting. We appreciate all the help that State and Federal government have given us".