The NSW Government has backed Bingara Jockey Club’s August meeting with a $5,000 State Government grant with club patron’s Juliette Munro, left, Hugh Munro, Gaye Holden, President Daryl Burling, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Vice-President Peter Houlahan, Ken Holden and Secretary Robyn Phillips.
Tuesday, 3 August 2021
THE State Government is backing Bingara Jockey Club’s yearly race meeting later this month, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $5,000 grant to cover costs associated with running the event.
Mr Marshall said the annual meet was the marquee event on Bingara’s social calendar, bringing together the community and attracting hundreds of visitors.
“The Bingara Jockey Club is a dedicated group of volunteers who work very hard to put on this meeting each year.
“Following the fraudulent actions of an individual associated with the club, the committee found itself in a dire financial situation and this annual race meeting was at risk of not going ahead,” Mr Marshall said.
“Last year the coffers were further strained when its race meet was cancelled due to rain and the rescheduled event fell victim to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Aside from giving the people of the district a fun-filled day out, this year’s race meet, scheduled for 28 August, is expected get the volunteer run committee back in the saddle.
“This grant will give the club a head start by covering some of the overheads which come with running a COVIDSafe event like this.
“Many community events have suffered in recent years due to drought and COVID-19 restrictions.
“I encourage people from Bingara and beyond to support this year’s Bingara Jockey Club meet and ensure it can remain one of the district’s premier events.”
Bingara Jockey Club President Daryl Burling said the future of racing in the town relies on a race meet going ahead in the near future.
“We are a proud little club which has been operating for many decades,” Mr Burling said.
“Over the years our patrons and committee have put a lot of time, money and effort into the club and we all want nothing more than to be able to cover our bills throughout the year and still have enough to host a fund day out.
“This $5,000.00 grant has given us hope we can come from behind after our financial woes and gallop towards bigger and better things in meets to come.
“We thank Adam for his generous support.”