Mount Gambier has held its first Model Railway and Hobby Show for more than 30 years with the South Australian N Gauge Society (SANGS) getting the show back on track.
The society’s secretary Peter Cawthorne was pleased with the turn out, which attracted a wide range of people from throughout South Australia
“After 7-8 months we have been able to hold the rather successful 2021 Mount Gambier Railway and Hobby Show,” he said.
Mr Cawthorne estimated more than 1000 people attended the event over the long weekend.
“We have had people travel from Millicent, Beachport and even Adelaide to attend the event,” he said.
“Coming to Mount Gambier was a test to see how country shows would go and we are quite pleased with the turnout having 300 people attend on the first day.”
Mr Cawthorne said the show had a positive impact on the community.
“We have 23 people staying here from Adelaide so that is accommodation, food and the money they spend down in Mount Gambier staying in the local community,” he said.
“This event gives hobby clubs in Mount Gambier a change to promote their hobbies.”
Mr Cawthorne said he would like to thank the people of Mount Gambier for their support as well as Mayor Lynette Martin, The SE Voice, SAFM for their advertising and the Millicent locals who put out posters for the show.
“This Model Railway and Hobby Show has shown that country towns need an event like this,” he said.
“It has been a lot of work but it has been well worth it and we will be back in a bigger venue,” he said.
Mr Cawthorne said like any event it was not without its challenges.
“Unfortunately two layouts from Victoria could not get over here and being based in Adelaide it is harder to find the other hobby clubs around the Limestone Coast,” he said.
“The biggest problem we had was finding a community-based catering van but luckily Lions Club Mount Gambier pulled through.”
Lions Club Mount Gambier member Malcolm Laslett said the club was grateful for the opportunity to provide catering, receive promotion and to earn more funds to operate.
