In 1892, 11.5 acres were proclaimed as a recreation reserve on the northern side of Barcaldine. It was managed by the Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
The first annual show was held by the Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society in 1914.
In 1935, the Shire Council took over responsibility for the reserve.
During the second world war it was home to around 1,000 US Army Engineering Corps Negro soldiers, sent to build an emergency aerodrome. Six of their number were shot to death by their own military police and are buried in the Barcaldine cemetery.
In 1965, the old fire station was removed to the showgrounds to become a secretary’s office and footballer’s changing room, to be known as the Vince Mather stand. A sheep pavilion was constructed at the showground in 1968. The racetrack was shifted to the north of the showground near the golf club in 1977 and that swimming pool was built at the entrance in 1980. A campdraft/rodeo arena was added followed by the upgrading of the arena and surrounds. This established the majority of the sporting facilities within a central area in the town.
In 2000 the showground was named the J. D. Bennett Memorial Sporting Complex in memory of James Bennett OBE who served as Shire Chairman for 32 years during his time on council (1943-85).
A motor home rally took place at the Showground during the Year of the Outback with a then record attendance for the rally (1152 vehicles registered).
The showgrounds are now also used as a camping ground during the tourist season.
Text sources include: Between the Bougainvilleas. 2004. Page 23
