The Cranbourne Harness Racing Club is helping to raise awareness for ovarian cancer with a special event this Saturday 13 May, supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The annual ‘Girls Night Out’ event, which also celebrates the contribution of women in harness racing, is aiming to raise more than $5500 for the Women’s Cancer Foundation by donating $5 from every entry ticket and the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets.
The Government is providing more than $7700 to support the event through its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program. The club is also contributing $7800 and generous local businesses have provided $1000 in giveaways and prizes.
Entertainment will include a live music performance by The X Factor’s Andrew Wishart and roving circus acts. Women will also receive a gift bag on entry and have the chance to create a memento of the evening with a picture from the photo booth.
The night’s feature race is the female drivers only Dani Lewis Memorial Pace, held in honour of harness racing driver Dani Lewis who died in a training accident at Cranbourne in 2014.
Since 2014, the Government has provided almost $70,000 to boost harness racing at Cranbourne, including more than $45,000 to upgrade the harness racing training centre and track lighting and more than $23,500 to support four major race meetings.
The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 3720 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“This is a great initiative to bring the local community together, while supporting the Women’s Cancer Foundation and generating awareness of ovarian cancer.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“I congratulate everyone involved for their work to put on this community event and for helping to raise money for this important cause.”
Quotes attributable to Cranbourne Harness Racing Club CEO Neil Bainbridge
“We want to thank the Victorian Government for their support of this year’s Girls Night Out and encourage everyone to get to the track this Saturday to celebrate a good cause.”
“Last year the Girls Night Out raised more than $4378 in support of the Women’s Cancer Foundation and we expect this year will be even bigger and better.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020