But, on Saturday, March 9, everyone is invited to enjoy a display of equine disciplines and a music performance when the Upper Hunter Shire celebrates the official opening of the impressive White Park Arena from 4pm to 6.30pm.

See talented horses and riders showcase their skills in the ring and a concert by Australian Idol winner and Power FM announcer Damien Leith, with his full band, special guest appearances, and some of those town songs.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the new arena was a magnificent venue that would bring new equine and other entertainment events, and more visitors, to the region.

“Council thanks the Australian and NSW governments for the funding and the user groups who served on the management committee, some of whom will be displaying their riding skills at the opening,” he explained.

“There’s undercover seating for 2865 people, so bring friends and family on the Saturday evening.

“And, if it rains – well that would be fabulous.”

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, who has closely followed the arena’s progress since its planning days, said he was delighted to see it open.

“This is a fantastic sporting and community asset for the Upper Hunter that will increase opportunities to hold major events and boost visitor numbers to our region,” he added.

“The funding for our component was made possible due to the hard work and responsible economic policy of the NSW Government over the past eight years.”

Following much planning by the White Park Management Committee, construction of the White Park Recreation and Equine Facility Development Stage 1 began at the end of 2017.

It was funded by council and the NSW and Australian governments from the Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, Stronger Country Communities (DPC NSW) and Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program - NSW Department of Industry.

The majority came from the NSW Government through a $1.47 million contribution from the Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.

Council also successfully obtained a grant of $124,360 towards seating at White Park from the Tourism Demand-Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) program, an Australian Government-funded initiative administered by the NSW Government to support tourism projects that drive demand and increase local tourism expenditure. 

Additional seating for the grandstand came from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund with $139,280 in funding.