Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club is set to become a centre for entertainment both on and off the track, thanks to a $170,000 investment supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced funding for an upgrade to the club’s function centre and unveiled a new children’s playground during a visit to Morshead Park track in Ballarat.
The function centre will undergo a major facelift with 1300 square metres of carpet to be laid in the restaurant, bar, pool room and betting areas.
More than 260 new chairs, 17 round tables, 10 bar tables, and 15 window seating tables will complete the club’s fresh new look.
The installation of a children’s playground, completed in August, complements other recent upgrades at the venue during the past two years, including modernising the dining room and refurbishing the public facilities.
The latest upgrades will allow the club to cater for more family-friendly entertainment when hosting racing and other community events.
The Labor Government is providing more than $85,000 towards the refurbishment courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund. The club is also contributing more than $85,000 towards the upgrades.
The Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club holds 110 meetings annually, as well as many non-raceday functions throughout the year.
The racing industry in the Central Highlands region generates more than $96 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 950 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club is ahead of the curve by lending itself to not only racing-related events, but other family-friendly activities that can benefit the whole community.”
“Regional racing venues are social hubs for local communities and we’re proud to be investing in new upgrades to ensure they can be enjoyed for years to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“I’m pleased to see that this continues to be the week of the dogs in Ballarat thanks to this investment in new family friendly facilities here for greyhound racing fans to enjoy.”
Quotes attributable to Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club President Alf King
“Refurbishing our function centre and installing a playground will enhance the family-friendly entertainment we can offer our patrons.”
“We are thankful for the support of the Victorian Government, which will ensure that our club remains a hub for entertainment in the region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020