Illabo Show Society president David Carter has been at the forefront of the overhaul and explained many upgrades were necessary due to the age of the building.

“The old roof was 80 years old and leaking, and the pine posts supporting it were rotted in the ground,” he explained.

David realises some may miss the “character” of the old hall, including the wooden floor which had developed many holes over the years and sat four inches lower in one section.

The floor has since been levelled and replaced with cement, and the corrugated iron roof raised and insulated.

“We’re conscious people don’t want it looking like a big shed,” he said, pointing out features such as the sunlights along the ceiling to combat this.

Another welcome addition is the attached toilet block, which will replace the old brick building opposite the hall.

“You won’t have to go traipsing across the countryside anymore, which is a bit of a bush tradition,” David explained.

“It’s basically a whole new hall with modern facilities, so hopefully it’ll last one hundred years.”

The bulk of the work was done by contractors but David Carter has put in many long hours as part of the $80,000 in cash and kind provided by the society.

“It wouldn’t get done without him, he’s here every day,” said Dennis Oliver, who was present on Wednesday to volunteer his assistance with various jobs.

Additional support has come from the State government, with $90,000 made available through the Public Reserve Management Fund and $15,000 through Community Building Partnership funding.

Most of the building will be ready for the fifteenth annual Illabo campdraft this weekend, which sees entrants from around the country competing in the uniquely Australian sport.

The exception is the new toilet facilities, which David is confident will be ready in time for the 95th Illabo show on Saturday October 11.