Minister for Racing Martin Pakula will attend the Terang Harness Racing Club’s meeting on 6 April to help raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Mr Pakula said the Rotary in Harness for Prostate Cancer meeting provided an opportunity to highlight an important health issue among the racing industry as well as the general public.
The club has a history of using its events to promote awareness of public health issues, having twice supported the Cancer Council’s Corangamite Relay for Life by conducting fundraising activities at its race meetings in 2012 and 2013.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $6400 towards the event, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program, with the club contributing almost $6500.
The club is holding the meeting in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Rotary Club of Terang.
The Foundation, which is dedicated to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners and their families, marked its 20th anniversary last month.
Patrons will be treated to a variety of entertainment between races, with two bands and the opportunity to win betting vouchers, prizes on losing TAB ticket draws and raffles.
Children will be entertained with a jumping castle, temporary tattoos, face painting, clowns and an Easter egg scramble.
There will also be a display of men’s health brochures and education kits.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is pleased to support this important race meeting and to help raise awareness of prostate cancer, which sadly results in 3300 Australian men dying each year.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Harness racing has a rich history in Terang, going back just over 120 years, and I am sure the local community will rally around this cause, just as they have previously to promote public health issues.”
Quotes attributable to Terang Harness Racing Club Racing Manager Diane O’Keeffe
“We appreciate the ongoing support from the government’s Raceday Attraction Program which will enable us to hold a great night’s racing and also to promote an important health issue.”
“This is a fantastic night for the whole family and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy everything that country racing has to offer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020