HISTORIC GRANDSTAND RENAMED IN HONOUR OF COOTAMUNDRA PIONEER JOHN BARNES
- Steph Cooke MP
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
The Cootamundra Turf Club has officially unveiled the newly named ‘John Barnes’ Grandstand, recognising one of the district's most influential pioneers as part of the Club's 150th anniversary celebrations.
The naming of the grandstand honours the legacy of John Barnes, the Club's inaugural President in 1876, whose vision and leadership helped shape both the Club and the wider community.
The event also celebrated the successful restoration of the historic grandstand, made possible through the dedication of the Cootamundra Turf Club committee, volunteers, local contractors, community supporters and funding secured through the NSW Government.
In 2021, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke secured $300,000 in NSW Government funding for major upgrades to the grandstand, including the replacement of deteriorating flooring and the installation of new seating.
Ms Cooke said the project demonstrated the value of investing in regional community infrastructure.
"The John Barnes Grandstand is a fitting tribute not only to one of our region's pioneering figures, but also to the generations of people who have worked to build and strengthen this community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Regional communities deserve facilities they can be proud of, and investments like this help preserve our heritage while supporting local events and economic activity.
"I congratulate the Cootamundra Turf Club committee, volunteers and supporters whose dedication and hard work have brought this project to fruition.
“Their commitment to preserving this important piece of local history has been outstanding, and I am proud to have advocated for funding to support these upgrades that are now being enjoyed by the Club and the wider community.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Abb McAlister said the naming of the grandstand was a fitting tribute to one of the region’s founding figures.
“John Barnes and his fellow settlers were far more than dreamers, embarking on a long sea voyage to a new land,” Cr McAlister said.
“They arrived with vision, determination and a commitment to building a strong and thriving community in this region of southern New South Wales.
“Naming this iconic grandstand in honour of John Barnes is a fitting tribute and a credit to the committee that has led the restoration of this historic facility.”
Cootamundra Turf Club president Jeffrey Bristow used the opening as a way to pay tribute to the members who have given their time and energy to the Club.
Mr Bristow presented Steve Brien, Graeme McAlister, Simon Bragg, John Scott, Doug Wallace and Craig McTavish with life membership to the Turf Club.
“Thanks to my Committee for their work and help, as well as the ladies from the Cootamundra Race Club Committee, without them all we wouldn’t be able to hold our race day or have been able to get this project completed,” Mr Barstow said.
“Thanks also to Gary Arthur and Greg Ewing for their work on the grant process and the application.”
Mr Bristow paid tribute to local builder Rod Knagge and his team whose work has ensured the grandstand and surrounding heritage buildings will continue to service the community for years to come.
“Rod and his team were able to get the work done on time and on budget, we couldn’t be happier,” Mr Bristow said.
Cootamundra Turf Club secretary Mark Lee said the naming of the John Barnes Grandstand is particularly appropriate as the Club begins celebrations for its sesquicentenary year.
“We gather to honour a man who was truly one of Cootamundra’s most extraordinary entrepreneurs and community leaders,” Mr Lee said.
“It is therefore fitting that, as we celebrate 150 years of this great club, we take the time to recognise and honour the vision, leadership and commitment of Mr John Barnes.”
