Dishing up more support to the Glen Innes Jockey Club, this time for a kitchen upgrade at the racecourse, Glen Innes Jockey Club committee members Lynne Ferguson, left, Warwick Ferguson, Secretary Barry Luxford, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, racehorse Talent Award, Trainer Kathy Cunningham, Vice-President Peter Ritter and President Mark Ritchie.
Tuesday, 2 February 2021.
ODDS are Glen Innes Racecourse is about to become one of the town’s favourite function venues, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall this week announcing a $29,366 State Government grant to refurbish the kitchen in the community use area.
Mr Marshall said the current state of the kitchen had reined in Glen Innes Jockey Club’s ability to hire facility out to the community.
“Situated on the edge of town, with plenty of space and picturesque grounds Glen Innes Racecourse should be one of the safest bets when it comes to finding somewhere to host a private function,” Mr Marshall said.
“Unfortunately, the 30-year-old kitchen no longer meets modern health standards, restricting the types of events the venue can be used for.
“This grant will bring the racecourse back into the winners circle by replacing the old wooden bench tops with the required stainless steel and installing a new oven.
“A section of the kitchen will be repainted and new tiles laid, making the floor safer and easier to clean.
“With the kitchen needing to be re-plumbed and re-wired Glen Innes’ tradies will no doubt collect as a result of this project.
“Annually the racecourses hosts around 30 functions a year, but with this upgrade complete it would be fantastic to think it could kick that to at least one a week.”
Glen Innes Jockey Club President Mark Ritchie said the kitchen refurbishment would provide additional income for the upkeep of the racecourse.
“As land managers of the Glen Innes Racecourse, the Glen Innes Jockey Club is immensely appreciative to receive this support from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund,” Mr Ritchie said.
“With a safe and functional kitchen the facility can be hired out for a greater number of community and private functions. This in turn will provide a larger income to assist with maintenance of the grounds.
“It is our expectation work on this project will begin by the end of March and hopefully be completed by November, working in with the racing calendar.
“Glen Innes will be all the richer for having the community function area once again accessible.”