Tuesday, 21 August 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating women’s contribution to harness racing and other fields at a special day at the trots as part of a joint funding package worth almost $14,000.

The Labor Government is providing almost $6000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards Warragul’s 2018 Ladies Day this Sunday 26 August, along with almost $1000 towards a safety audit.

The ladies’ race day will feature live music from local rock and blues singer Dale Gannan, along with prizes and giveaways, and a two-course lunch for pre-booked tickets.

The feature race will be a female drivers-only race, worth $10,000 in prizemoney. The race will be called by Victoria Shaw, the only female race caller in the industry.

Lisa Miles, Betty Lewis, Rita Burnett, Roma Pocock and Jayne Davies will be guests of honour at the luncheon, in recognition of their efforts paving the way for women in harness racing.

The event’s guest speaker will be Dianne McGrath, an expert in sustainability, a PhD researcher and an international astronaut candidate.

Government funding is also supporting Harness Racing Victoria to conduct an occupational safety audit at Logan Park to ensure that it is operating in a safe manner for participants and other users of the venue.

Warragul Harness Racing Club is providing almost $6000 towards the race meeting and Harness Racing Victoria is contributing almost $1000 towards the safety audit.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $69,000 to support two infrastructure projects and five harness racing events at Logan Park.

The racing industry in the Gippsland region generates more than $59 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Racing is an important contributor to local jobs and the economy, which is why we’re supporting one of Victoria’s oldest trotting clubs.”

“The Ladies Day meeting has something to offer long-term harness racing fans, but also all women in the community.”

Quotes attributable to Warragul Harness Racing Club Manager Tara Kiker

“We’re grateful for the Victorian Government’s support for race day initiatives and maintenance work at Logan Park’s harness track.”

“We encourage all women in the Warragul community to come down for an exciting day at the trots this