Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced a major funding investment for Country Racing Victoria to support a new campaign aimed at boosting attendance at regional race meetings.
The new ‘Country Racing – it’s got it all’ campaign will celebrate the spirit of country racing with its rich heritage and atmosphere, and showcase the appeal of regional Victoria, home to some of Australia’s best food and wine.
The campaign will be promoted in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria from September to January, targeting 126 feature and weekend race meetings across 56 country clubs.
The Andrews Labor Government, through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF), will provide almost $1.5 million towards the $3 million project.
Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full time jobs.
The racing industry provides an economic benefit of $940 million to both regional and rural Victoria with more than 43,000 regional participants in the industry.
The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry and allows the three racing codes, racing clubs and other key stakeholders to have a say in growing Victorian racing.
It funds projects and initiatives at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the racing experience for racegoers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Government is supporting this campaign to attract city and regional participants to country racing.”
“Country racing is a major attraction in regional Victoria, providing jobs and bringing communities together. This campaign will help grow our racing industry even more.”
Quotes attributable to Country Racing Victoria Chairman Lance McMillan
"This campaign is a big step for Country Racing Victoria and one we could not have taken without the support of the Minister for Racing and the Raceday Attraction Program. We want to encourage people to get to the country races and experience all that regional Victoria has to offer.”
“Country racing plays an integral role in local communities throughout Victoria and is an essential contributor to the state’s economy, and we intend to build on that with the help of this major campaign."
Reviewed 19 August 2020