The Meadows is helping bring a touch of festive cheer this winter with nine Christmas in July themed greyhound race meetings, thanks to almost $94,000 in funding.
The Andrews Labor Government is contributing more than $46,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program and the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association is providing more than $47,000.
The nine Christmas in July events will be held over four Wednesday afternoons and five Saturday evenings from 1 - 29 July, culminating in the Group 1 Maturity Classic Final.
The Maturity Classic Final will feature Christmas crafts, face painting by characters from the popular children’s movie Frozen, a snow machine and the chance to meet Santa in his undercover workshop.
Weekday meetings will include organised children’s sports, and all Saturday events will feature jumping castles and snow cones.
Since 2014, the Government has provided more than $665,000 to support 12 race meetings and two infrastructure projects at The Meadows, including a $112,000 contribution towards renovating the public amenities.
The renovations will start next month and are expected to be completed by September. The upgrades will see five ageing toilet blocks refurbished, including the installation of new cabinetry, basins, mirrors and LED lighting.
The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re supporting greyhound racing clubs across Victoria because they create local jobs and deliver benefits to the economy.”
“Upgrading the public amenities will help to ensure The Meadows remains one of the state’s top greyhound racing destinations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire
“With plenty of entertainment and activities both on and off the track, these race meetings are a great way to bring the local community together and add some festive cheer throughout winter.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association Chair Edwin Caruana
“We’re grateful to the Victorian Government for supporting this initiative and for the funding they've provided to help renovate our public bathrooms, which are almost 20 years old and in desperate need of an update.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020