Harness Racing Victoria has reappointed five Board members to continue progress on delivering its strategy to strengthen the industry and ensure its sustainability.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today welcomed the reappointments of Chair Dale Monteith and members Catherine Ainsworth, Jane Brook, Peter Watkinson and Judy Rothacker.
All of these Board members – except Ms Rothacker – were first appointed in 2016 and had their terms extended another three years in March 2019. Ms Rothacker was first appointed in 2019.
Mr Monteith – who has been reappointed as Chair for two years – has significant leadership experience in the racing industry, having previously been Chief Executive Officer of both the Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Racing Club.
Dr Ainsworth has a post-graduate degree in veterinary science and is an expert in equine and animal welfare and has been reappointed for three years.
Ms Brook – who has been reappointed for three years – is a sports marketing specialist and has worked in marketing and communication industries in Australia, New Zealand, China and Hong Kong.
Mr Watkinson is a specialist in planning, public land management and stakeholder engagement with experience in the government and private sector and has been reappointed for a further year in the role.
Ms Rothacker has a lifelong interest in harness racing and is passionate about supporting young Victorians to become part of the industry. She is also President of the Angelique Club promoting the role of women in harness racing. Her reappointment is for a further three years.
Early in 2021, the Board signed off on a strategic plan focused on ensuring a sustainable and growing industry.
Early successes include total wagering turnover exceeding $1 billion for the first time in the 2020-21 financial year, up 22 percent from the $897 million recorded in 2019-20. Total revenue for the industry was $95.3 million 2020-21, up from the previous year’s figure of $85.6 million.
The harness racing industry in Victoria generates $600 million for the economy and supports over 4,300 jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“I’d like to congratulate all five Board members on their reappointment and thank them for their contribution to harness racing and commitment to its future.”
“The Board’s key priority is to ensure that the growth of harness racing continues for the benefit of industry participants and local communities.”
Reviewed 31 March 2022