Racing events a major boost for regional Victoria

THOUSANDS of Victorians will be able to explore the regions for a day at the races this autumn with extra support from the State Government. Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today announced the Labor Government is investing more than $343,000 to support 33 thoroughbred, greyhound, and harness racing events across the state as part of the Victorian Racing Industry – Raceday Attraction Program. The investment will support live music and entertainment on event days, as well as children's activities, complimentary shuttle buses, hire of temporary marquees, outdoor furniture, audio visual equipment and local radio and newspaper advertising – helping to attract more people to the race tracks who may have never been before. The events are expected to attract more than 70,000 people, with 31 of the 33 events held in regional Victoria between March and May. Clubs from all over Victoria will benefit from the program – from Mildura in the north–west to Traralgon in the east and Geelong and Hamilton in the south–west. Highlights of the Autumn program include the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club Fashions on the Field Day on April 8, the Warragul greyhounds Community Family Fun Day on April 13 and Shepparton's 'Pacing for Pink' harness races held on May 7. Country race days are often the social event of the year for many Victorian communities and the Labor Government's investment in these important events is helping to support racing clubs and boost local businesses. The racing industry in Victoria generates $4.7 billion for the economy and helps sustain nearly 35,000 full time equivalent jobs. Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines said country race clubs put on exciting days that bring towns together, encourage more people to the region and support local businesses. "A day at the country races is a great experience and we're making sure clubs can put on a fantastic show for the whole family this summer," he said.