As part of the Allan Labor Government’s continued backing of regional sporting infrastructure, racegoers and the Maryborough community are set to benefit from a modern function and entertainment space at the Maryborough Harness Racing Club.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visited the club to announce $100,000 to reinvigorate the clubhouse with a new bar and venue entrance at the Carisbrook Racecourse – enhancing the overall experience for patrons and driving community use.
It’s estimated the changes will enable the club to open its doors to 20 more community organisations yearly to host events such as cultural and family celebrations.
Modernising the aging facilities will allow the club to host larger gatherings with an increase of the current capacity from 120 to 220 patrons on race days and accommodate more community functions.
Works include demolishing the existing bar, plumbing and electrical upgrades, as well as new tiling, paint, plaster, equipment and signage.
The new look space is expected to be unveiled by October in time for the Aldebaran Park Redwood Carnival later that month.
The upgrades are part of the first round of the Labor Government’s Regional Customer Facilities Program which has already delivered more than $973,000 across 14 country racing clubs.
Under the program, Victoria’s regional racing clubs can apply for grants of up to $100,000 for projects that will improve the standard of public facilities, enhance accessibility and encourage community use.
Further information about the Regional Customer Facilities program is available at vic.gov.au/regional-customer-facilities-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
“We are supporting racecourses across regional Victoria so they can continue to showcase the very best of racing and celebrate the importance of local communities.”
“The racing industry in regional Victoria generates $1.17 billion for the state’s economy and helps sustain over 9000 full-time equivalent jobs in the regions.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“These upgrades will provide the Maryborough Harness Racing Club with modern fit for purpose facilities for racing and will ensure the community has another high class event facility as well.”
