The courageous efforts of emergency services workers who battled blazes in the state’s south-west last month will be recognised at a Bushfire Relief Raceday held at Terang Racecourse this Sunday, 15 April 2018.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $22,000 towards the Bushfire Relief Raceday, which will provide free entry for Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service personnel who responded to the fires, as well as their families and those directly affected by the fires.
Patrons heading to the track will enjoy live music from local artist Coope Lower, picnic pack giveaways, Fashions on the Field, and spectacular racing from the day’s feature race – the 2018 Terang Cup.
Free shuttle buses will operate from Warrnambool, Panmure and Garvoc, with a second route from running Cobden and Camperdown to ensure that locals and visitors can get safely to and from the track.
Children will be entertained with a range of free sporting activities and games.
The Terang & District Racing Club is also contributing almost $7,000 towards the event, and Country Racing Victoria is providing almost $5,000.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $155,000 to support three racing events and nine infrastructure improvement projects at Terang.
The upgrades include a $53,500 Labor Government contribution towards new mobile starting gates to replace outdated 15 year old equipment, and more than $13,000 towards new mounting yard fencing to remove safety risks posed by protruding old bolts. Both projects were completed in mid-December last year.
Building works to extend the club’s storage shed to better protect its equipment were also completed in February this year, with the Labor Government contributing $10,000 towards the $20,000 upgrade.
The racing industry in the Western District generates more than $100 million for the Victorian economy every year and helps sustain more than 980 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support the Terang Bushfire Relief Raceday, which recognises the courage and dedication of emergency service workers who put their lives on the line to protect their local communities during times of crisis.”
“We’re also thrilled to have supported key infrastructure improvements at Terang Racecourse, which are a welcome addition for the jockeys and trainers who attend the six race meetings and 10 jump outs and trials held here each year.”
Quote attributable to Terang & District Racing Club President, Wayne Johnstone
“We would like to thank the Victorian Government for its support for this important community focused event and a range of important improvements to our track.”
“This is our way of offering heartfelt thanks to our emergency service works, by offering a fantastic, free day of entertainment for them and their families, and the families of those directly affected by the fires.”