The Clare Agricultural & Horticultural Society has officially unveiled the Angas Gates at the entrance of the Clare Showgrounds.
The gates are an enduring tribute to the Angas family, whose donation of land in 1890 laid the foundations for the Society and its cherished Show.
The gates were opened in the presence of Angas descendants Catriona, Hamish, Charles and Janet, with Tony Piccolo MP in attendance stating it was a reminder about the legacy of generosity and vision that continues to shape Clare’s story.
“The thankfulness and pride the members of the Clare Society showed to the family during the official opening, while discussing the history of the show as it enters its 160th year and touring the showgrounds shows just how much it means to these members, and even the entire community,” said Mr Piccolo.
“The Clare Show is owned and run entirely by its members and volunteers, and the makings of the Angas Gates is an example of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose and heart.
It all started when former president Frank Nicholls sourced a set of gates to kick-start a project that has long been on the agenda of the show society, with Steve Sanders given the gates as he continued sourcing support.
Sanders’ son, Joel, a skilled boilermaker, took on the task of straightening them out.
From there, the project became a cascade of generosity: a sandblaster in Blyth donated his services upon learning the gates were for the Society; the Bark family powder-coated them at no charge; and Darren Scott, a local shed builder, used his heavy-duty drill to bore the foundational holes—again, free of charge.
Joel then sourced steel and fabricated the posts and hinges, while Ray Fabian—a newcomer to Clare—and his team donated a full day to prepare and pour the concrete foundations.
Clare Quarry stepped in with a donation of concrete, and a former local bricklayer turned shed builder lent his expertise to the brickwork.
The finishing touches were equally heartfelt: Mintaro Slate fabricated and donated the slate caps that now crown the pillars, Steve Sanders’ son-in-law Wade Hogg constructed the fence rails and Exact Cut donated the Angas metal signage that now welcomes visitors to the Showgrounds.
Support also came from the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council, which provided a $6,000 grant to complete the timber railing and re-bituminize the entrance.
In total, more than $10,000 was donated.
“This project proves how far communities can come when the people care deeply and act generously,” said Mr Piccolo.
“It’s not just the Angas family’s legacy—it’s Clare’s legacy, which is still being written by every volunteer, every donor and every neighbour who shows up.”
The Angas Gates have been installed in time for the 160th annual Clare Show, which takes place Saturday, 18th October.