The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading Tabcorp Park and helping seniors in Melton take part in two harness racing nights in spring.
The Labor Government is providing almost $25,500 towards the 2018 Seniors Festival Race Nights and $24,700 towards a sports bar upgrade, along with more than $17,000 for an upgrade of the perimeter fencing and an electrical safety audit at Tabcorp Park, as part of a $136,000 joint funding package.
The installation of a big screen TV will improve the viewing experience for patrons on race-days ahead of the 2018 Inter Dominion and increase attendance at the facility on non-race days.
Fencing has been installed around the perimeter of the track, improving safety for horses and their handlers. Tabcorp Park’s track lighting has also undergone electrical testing as part of an ongoing maintenance program.
The race nights on Saturday 6 October and Friday 16 November will celebrate seniors in the Melton community as part of the 2018 Victorian Seniors Festival.
The events will offer seniors an evening of entertainment including live music from Lonnie Lee on 6 October and Athol Guy on 16 November. Patrons can enjoy a three-course meal for only $34, a discount of $12, and have the chance to share in $1,000 worth of prizes.
Complimentary buses will transport groups of 15 or more racegoers to and from the racecourse, and the community groups with the largest bookings on each night will win naming rights to one of seven races on the program.
Tabcorp Park Melton is providing $24,700 for the sportsbar upgrade and contributing almost $13,500 towards the Seniors Festival race meetings. Harness Racing Victoria provided more than $17,000 towards the infrastructure upgrades.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $505,000 to support six infrastructure projects and 12 harness racing events at Tabcorp Park.
The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 3,720 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re investing in new infrastructure at Tabcorp Park to improve safety for horses, trainers and patrons.”
“The Seniors Festival Race Nights celebrate seniors in Melton and bring the community together for a great night of quality racing.”
Quotes attributable to Tabcorp Park General Manager Gayle Harvey
“We’re excited to host two race nights as part of the 2018 Seniors Festival and provide an affordable entertainment option for racegoers of all ages.”
“We’d like to thank the government for its support for upgrades and maintenance of our racing facilities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020