Racing Minister urges volunteer support for regional race clubs following Meekatharra farewell

Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby has urged people to support regional race clubs following an announcement that the Meekatharra Races will not run this year. Mr Whitby said volunteers in the regions are “spread thin” and their communities will be worse off if pressure continues to mount and clubs drop out. The statement comes after it was announced last week that the 122-year-old Meekatharra Races won’t be held this year, due to rising costs, low volunteer numbers and a decline in participating horses and trainers. The Minister acknowledged these pressures are being felt at many regional clubs and said Racing and Wagering WA will continue to support the Meekatharra club. Mr Whitby said these clubs support their communities and need the support of volunteers in return. “Country racing is a proud tradition and important to our State’s regional communities,” he said. “I’d urge Western Australians who have the capacity to consider volunteering for a worthy cause. About 200 community organisations and charities receive financial help from race clubs.” Mr Whitby said RWWA is dedicated to supporting regional racing financially and providing race day services, leaving clubs to focus on hospitality. Secretary and treasurer of the Country Racing Association John Biggs previously said he hoped the government would loosen regulations on liquor licensing, racing and gaming to relieve pressure, stating regional clubs face the same conditions as metropolitan ones despite very different circumstances. “You can’t have one policy fits all,” he said. “The fact that regional clubs have to fork out huge sums of money to meet requirements based on metropolitan issues is ridiculous.” Mr Whitby said Government forces do consider the specific circumstances of regional clubs, but also said it was reviewing liquor laws to see if changes can be made. “The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries works alongside race clubs during the licence application process to consider their specific needs,” he said. “We’re currently reviewing WA’s liquor laws to introduce a range of reforms, as announced late last year.”