Bushfire heroes saluted as racing industry says thanks

Firefighters, volunteers and first responders who bravely fought the bushfires that engulfed the state across January have been recognised at a series of race meetings organised by Racing Victoria (RV) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV).

The Racing For Our Regions series was created as an opportunity to say thanks to those who fought the fires, with the broader racing industry throwing their support around the quartet of events held at Seymour, Towong, Alexandra and Kyneton in recent weeks, as well as building awareness of the crucial role that many race clubs play in supporting local communities, particularly in times of adversity.

More than $200,000 was raised to support bushfire relief efforts across the state via range of fundraising activations, sponsorship donations, auctions, and raffles.

The series, a special showcase of country racing which was generously supported by the Victorian Government through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, saw frontline workers hosted in marquees to enjoy all the festivities of a day at the country races, with community groups volunteering their time to cook barbeques, supply refreshments, and give back to the heroes who put their lives on the line.

Local fire brigades (CFA), SES volunteers, and industry participants were well represented at each of the four events, and community spirit remained high despite the difficult circumstances in which the series was founded.

Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said the series embodied the racing industry’s strong connection to regional Victoria and reiterated his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the initiative.

“It has been incredibly heartening to witness the support shown across the Racing For Our Regions series, with participants, clubs and communities coming together to support bushfire recovery and recognise those who stood on the front line,” he said.

“The stories we’ve heard throughout the series, including from members of our own racing community, have been a powerful reminder of the bravery, selflessness and generosity shown during the January bushfires.

“We’ve also seen firsthand the important role that country race clubs play within their local communities, particularly in times of adversity, and this series has provided an opportunity to support and celebrate that connection.

“While this was a one-off initiative, the message behind it is enduring: racing is part of the fabric of regional communities, and we are proud to continue supporting them.

“On behalf of Racing Victoria, I would like to thank everyone who supported the series and again acknowledge those who worked tirelessly to protect lives, property and our beloved thoroughbreds under the most trying of circumstances.”

CRV Chief Executive, Scott Whiteman, was delighted to see the frontline workers recognised at the Racing For Our Regions series, with excellent attendances across each of the four events.

“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,” he said.

“Throughout the Racing For Our Regions series, these race days were 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.”

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines, who attended the Racing For Our Regions fundraising event at Seymour, echoed those sentiments.

 “The Racing For Our Regions series has been a powerful demonstration of how the racing industry and regional communities have supported one another both during and after this summer’s devastating bushfires,” he said.

 “The Allan Labor Government is proud to support initiatives like this through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, which helps ensure racing continues to make a meaningful contribution to regional Victoria.

“Our regional communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity, and this series has been a fitting way to acknowledge that strength while delivering tangible support where it’s needed.

“Thank you to everyone who attended, donated or contributed in any way. It speaks volumes about the generosity of the racing industry and the many communities it supports.”