ABOUT THE GROUNDZ
ABOUT THE GROUNDZ
Dapto Showground (Groundz Precinct) is the last remaining freehold showground in the Illawarra, owned and operated by Dapto A&H Society Ltd, a company limited by guarantee i.e., non- profit organisation.
The Dapto Agricultural & Horticultural Society was formed on Sunday 8 November 1856, at a public meeting at the Illawarra Hotel in Dapto, and the first Dapto Show was held on 28 January 1857 at Brown’s Flour Mill in Brownville.
In the late 1800’s, local farmer, Mr Patrick Hill Osborne donated 10 acres to provide a permanent home for the Dapto A&H Society close to the town centre for the purpose of conducting an annual show. Over subsequent years the Dapto A&H Society acquired an additional six parcels of land adjoining the site to attain its current footprint of approximately 22 acres.
The showground has multi-use facilities that are used for everything from the annual Dapto Show, sport and recreation, festivals, markets, private functions and much more.
Over the past 168 years there has been many stakeholders and users on the grounds, and it is home to numerous community groups and clubs including Dapto Rugby League Football Club Greyhound Racing, Pigeon Club, Poultry Club, Markets, Illawarra Cancer Carers etc.
A summation of the company’s purpose, goals and values is as follows:
OUR MISSION
To enrich our community
THE VISION
To provide a dynamic community space which facilitates social belonging and engagement