Families in Warrnambool for the summer are set to benefit from a festival of greyhound racing thanks to a joint funding package worth almost $73,000.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $26,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program to support the 2018–19 Seaside Festival at Wannon Park.
The festival includes eight premier greyhound racing events held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 27 December 2018 to 12 January 2019.
Patrons who make a dinner booking at all eight race meetings will receive free entry to the track while kids will receive a free meal with every adult meal purchased.
Along with top quality greyhound racing, there will be a huge range of interactive activities to keep children entertained including giant Jenga, hopscotch, a jumping castle, ball games, performances from roaming superheroes and Dazzling Dan the Magician.
There will also be a drop-in circus that will give children the opportunity to learn what it takes to perform under the big top. They can also get creative with arts and crafts, learn to cook in the travelling kitchen and undertake a variety of science activities.
In the community spirit, every time the red dog (bib number 1) wins a race, the club will donate $100 to the Warrnambool East Rotary Club to provide a range of programs for the local community.
The Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club is providing more than $16,000 towards the race day attractions, along with more than $28,000 from Greyhound Racing Victoria and more than $2300 of in-kind support.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $1.2 million to support greyhound racing at Warrnambool, including 6 infrastructure projects and 11 race day events.
The racing industry in the Western District generates more than $100 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 980 full-time jobs in the region.
Quotes attributable to the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria
“The Seaside Festival is a terrific opportunity to showcase the top quality greyhound racing at Warrnambool to summer holidaymakers in the region.”
“Racing in regional Victoria makes a huge contribution to local communities by boosting tourism and providing family-friendly entertainment, which is why we’re pleased to provide this support.”
Quotes attributable to Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club Manager Craig Monigatti
“We’re really appreciative of the support from the Andrews Labor Government for our 2018–19 Seaside Festival.”
“With so much on offer at this year’s festival, we encourage everyone in the local community and visitors to Warrnambool to come down to the track and enjoy some summer racing entertainment by the seaside.”