“Currently, we are still finalising the design stage to ensure we are using the space inside the property to the best possible outcome.

“We still have a lot of work to do with the various engineers required to ensure the architect builds a plan that suits us and the conditions placed on us by council,” he said.

Mr Kerr said he was hopeful that later this year they will have that completed and be able to get the required building permission to go out to tender.

“The recent grant from the Federal Government ($500,000) will certainly go a long way to getting this build completed sooner rather than later. But the fundraising can’t stop there.

“We want this to be the best of the best and believe that from the community support we have received, they agree that this indoor facility needs to be the best and one that others will admire,” said Mr Kerr.

Meanwhile, the Gala, celebrating 25 years of Carnivale and 20 years of Paws and Claws, went off without a hitch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas.

From the Belly Dancers entertaining those on arrival the evening started with class. Michael Griffiths got the room a buzz with crowd members joining him in song, singing the likes of I still call Australia home and Copa Cabana.

The patrons where all warmed up by the time Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulchay hit the stage singing hit after Abba hit.

During the performances, Paws and Claws volunteers hit the tables selling raffle tickets for an abundant amount of prizes on offer and in between sets, host Triple M’s Mark Littler and Phil Holloway from Century 21, entertained the room with amusing antidotes while auctioning the many items available.