Seymour Racing Club raises over $200,000 for bushfire recovery
Racing Victoria has announced that more than $200,000 was raised at a Friday’s race meeting held at Seymour, with proceeds directed to first responders and organisations supporting Victoria’s bushfire recovery.
Funds from the event will benefit the CFA & Brigades Donations Fund and the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund. The meeting featured fundraising initiatives including race sponsorships, charity auctions and public pledges.
The raceday also included formal acknowledgements recognising the efforts of CFA members and volunteers involved in responding to January’s bushfires. Members of the racing community affected by the fires attended, highlighting the industry’s connection to regional areas impacted by the disaster.
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The Seymour meeting marked the launch of the Racing For Our Regions series, a Victorian Government-supported country racing initiative delivered in partnership with Country Racing Victoria.
Racing Victoria Chief Executive Aaron Morrison said it was a credit to the community that they had supported the cause and rallied around those impacted by the devastating bushfires.
“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.”
The series will continue throughout March with events scheduled at Alexandra, Towong and Kyneton. The program aims to recognise frontline responders while also raising awareness of the role country race clubs play in supporting regional communities, particularly during times of crisis.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines, who was one of the many guests in attendance, was pleased with the success of the 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,” he said.
