The Ballarat & District Trotting Club will celebrate Christmas early this year thanks to a $64,000 festive-themed raceday and infrastructure upgrade.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $18,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to support the Family Christmas Trots Night this Friday, 24 November, and almost $14,000 for an upgrade of the owners’ rooms.
The club is also contributing almost $18,000 towards tomorrow’s race meeting which helps to raise funds for the 3BA Christmas Appeal.
Over the past three years, the club has raised more than $25,000 for the appeal to purchase presents and food parcels for families in need. This year, $5 from every ticket and $10 from each dining package will be donated to the cause.
Racegoers heading to the track will be able to see a live musical performance by ‘Frankie’ and there will be some local food truck vendors on offer. There will also be a range of family-friendly activities including a jumping castle, plaster funhouse and face painting.
The funding package announced today will also go towards an upgrade of the owners’ rooms – including new carpet, two LED televisions and an oven – with works expected to begin in December.
Harness Racing Victoria and the Victorian Harness Racing Sports Club are jointly providing almost $14,000 towards the owners’ rooms upgrade.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed almost $123,000 to support five infrastructure projects and five harness racing events at Ballarat.
The racing industry in the Central Highlands region generates more than $96 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 950 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Ballarat & District Trotting Club is one of the top harness racing destinations in the state. We’re delivering upgrades to the club because it supports local jobs and the local economy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“We’re proud to support the Family Christmas Trots Night because it donates much needed funds to help some of the most vulnerable in our community at Christmas.”
Quote attributable to Ballarat & District Trotting Club CEO Paul Rouse
“We’re very excited to see some of Ballarat’s greatest food offerings on show at this year’s event, and we encourage everyone to come along for a great day in support of a very worthy cause.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020