Seymour meeting raises significant funds for bushfire-affected communities 

Racing Victoria (RV) has announced that over $200,000 has been raised at today’s special race meeting at Seymour, with all funds set to be directed to the first responders and charities supporting Victoria’s bushfire recovery efforts.

The CFA & Brigades Donations Fund and the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund will benefit directly from today’s fundraising initiatives, which included race sponsorships, charity auctions and pledges.     

As well as the vital fundraising for regional towns and communities impacted by January’s bushfires, the event also featured formalities – hosted by broadcaster and journalist Clint Stanaway – to acknowledge the bravery of CFA members and other volunteers who risked their lives during the catastrophic event.

Several affected members of the racing community were also in attendance, reflecting on the extraordinary courage, selflessness, and generosity of those who helped evacuate hundreds of horses under the most challenging of circumstances.

The meeting heralded the start of the Racing For Our Regions series, a special showcase of country racing which is being supported by the Victorian Government through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.

With upcoming events at Alexandra, Towong and Kyneton throughout March, Racing For Our Regions was created in conjunction with Country Racing Victoria (CRV) to thank and recognise the efforts of the firefighters, volunteers and those who fought on the front line, as well as building awareness of the crucial role that many race clubs play in supporting local communities, particularly in times of adversity.

In announcing the fundraising total, RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “It was heartening to see so many people in attendance at today’s meeting, and even more gratifying to see over $200,000 raised to assist in Victoria’s ongoing bushfire relief efforts."

“The stories of bravery that have been told and which many of our participants experienced first-hand typifies the spirit of these regional communities and indeed of the racing industry, which never fails to come together in times of hardship.

 “Over the coming weeks, the Racing For Our Regions series will provide an opportunity for our industry to say thanks to everyone who served on the front line, and I would urge anyone living close to one of the host venues to get along to the races and show their support.”

CRV Chief Executive, Scott Whiteman, was delighted to see the Racing For Our Regions series brought to life.

“In the face of adversity, we saw the best of humanity, where communities rallied together to fight the catastrophic bushfires across the state, many of which impacted country race clubs.

“Today, and throughout the Racing For Our Regions series, these race days are our way of saying thank you and giving something back to those who give so much to our communities. It’s a small token of our, and the respective communities’, appreciation for their efforts, and we look forward to getting to Towong, Alexandra and Kyneton in coming weeks to do the same.”

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines, who was one of the many guests in attendance, was pleased with the success of today's raceday in support of Victoria’s regional communities.

“Today brought the racing industry and local communities together in a real show of generosity and support, and the Allan Labor Government is proud to stand alongside them.

“Our regional communities have bravely faced the most difficult of challenges this year, and to be able to raise them vital funds while celebrating those who fought to protect lives, property and local communities is very important.

“Thank you to everyone today who attended, donated or tuned in from afar and I’m proud to be associated with an industry that digs deep for regional communities.”