Stawell Harness Racing Club will celebrate 60 years of racing history this Australia Day.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula has announced almost $7000 in funding to help stage the historic event, courtesy of the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) Race day Attraction Program (RAP). Mr. Pakula said the 60th anniversary race meeting would also include a race named in honour of the Laidlaw family, who played a key role in relocating the trots from Ararat to Stawell in the 1950s.
“Harness racing has a rich tradition in Stawell and it’s fantastic to see the 60-year anniversary being celebrated in style.” Mr. Pakula commented.
Of the race club’s anniversary Club CEO, Lisa McIlvride said that the Club is also contributing almost $7000 towards activities planned for the big day, including a tree planting ceremony and the unveiling of a stone plaque in recognition of past and present club volunteers.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the Government for the Australia Day 60 Years of Racing event.” Ms Mcllvride commented “This support is so important for small clubs and provides a great opportunity to recognise this historic milestone and to thank and acknowledge the many hours that staff, volunteers and the committee put in to making our club successful.”