Community & Business
2 August, 2021
Pavilion honours quiet achievers
After about four months since construction began, the Oakey Show Society officially opened the massive new pavilion structure last month, with president Judy Byers announcing the new name of the building, The Marsh Pavilion, after husband and wife, life member Di Marsh and long-term volunteer Tim Marsh.
Oakey Show Society president Judy Byers highlighted the work of Di Marsh and her family who progressed the project from an idea to completion.
She said Di was the driving force in the committee’s success with a grant application of over $214,000 from the Regional Agricultural Shows Development Program.
“This grant has been the largest and most detailed application that our life member and grant writing expert Di Marsh had ever attempted on our behalf,” Mrs Byers said.
“On behalf of the Oakey community, thank you Di for your hard work and passion.”
In reply, Mrs Marsh said she was overwhelmed by the committee electing to name the building after her family.
“We feel very humbled by this gesture. Never in my wildest did I ever imagine such an honour,” she said.
“The pavilion will be an enormous asset for our Society and has been a huge project for our small committee.
“It has taught us many valuable lessons along the way including patience, persistence, bravery and that slow and steady wins the race.”
Mrs Marsh thanked engineers Michael Matthewson and Jason Edge who provided advice throughout the process.
She also commended the work of local business Coops Construction who built the structure in just four months despite periods of rain and strong winds.
Alongside Mrs Marsh and husband Tim, Mrs Byers and Ag Shows president Kerri Robertson, Cr Geoff McDonald officially opened the structure.
Cr McDonald said the pavilion is result of the combined efforts of the Oakey community and businesses.
“It’s great to have a local contractor, local builders, local suppliers alongside local supporters and volunteers who put their time, energy and effort to make sure this project is successful,” he said.
“This is quintessential of Oakey, people coming together to help each other out. Congratulations to Judy and well done to the committee and to all the volunteers who tirelessly turn up and produce the shows and other activities to create those memories.”
