Premier

Melbourne Racing Carnival Backs Bushfire Relief Effort

23 January 2020

Racegoers and the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) will kick in for bushfire relief during the club’s Australia Day long weekend meetings – today at Mornington and tomorrow at Caulfield.

The first weekend of the MRC’s Summer Racing Carnival of events will send fundraising proceeds the way of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced that the Andrews Labor Government would contribute $30,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund to ramp up the family fun and entertainment throughout the carnival.

The carnival spans three race meetings at Caulfield – Saturday, Family Stakes day on 8 February and Blue Diamond Stakes day on 22 February.

Racegoers can look forward to cheering on quality fields while enjoying a range of entertainment at the Caulfield Pavilion, which will feature a pool, deck and live music.

There will also be face-painting, rides, jumping castles, pony rides, craft areas and roving entertainers for the kids and families. Entry will be free for children under 14.

At Mornington today and Caulfield tomorrow, bushfire relief efforts include:

  • All proceeds from entry will be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal
  • Free entry for emergency services personnel and their families.

All donations made to the MRC Foundation in January will also be directed to the bushfire relief effort.

Since December 2014, the Labor Government has provided $2.7 million to support 18 thoroughbred events and four infrastructure projects at Caulfield.

The thoroughbred racing industry in Melbourne generates $2.47 billion for the Victoria economy and helps sustain more than 19,000 full-time-equivalent jobs.

Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“We’re proud to support the Melbourne Racing Club in its efforts to deliver a great summer program of racing and entertainment while raising funds for bushfire-affected communities.”

Quote attributable to Melbourne Racing Club chair Peter Le Grand

“We’d like to thank the Victorian Government for its support of our Summer Racing Carnival – I encourage everyone to come along to enjoy a fantastic line-up of racing entertainment, both on and off the track.”

Reviewed 28 June 2020

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