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The NSW Government has provided $20,000 to Shoalhaven City Turf Club for a new marketing strategy that will assist the club in hosting special racedays, Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock, announced today.

Mrs Hancock said the funding was part of the new 'Back to the Track' program which supports regional racing clubs in engaging with their local communities.

“The Government’s funding will support Shoalhaven City Turf Club’s project to get more people from the local community visiting and taking advantage of their local racecourse or club,” Mrs Hancock said.

At today's announcement were Michael Martin (SCTC's Chairman), Shelley Hancock (Member for South Coast) and Lynn Locke (SCTC's CEO)

“The Turf Club will use the additional funding to develop a new marketing strategy to get more people back to the track.

“The club will hold racedays targeting different audiences such as young people, families, seniors and local community groups,” Mrs Hancock said.

Mrs Hancock made the announcement from the Turf Club during its first Seniors’ Raceday. Local seniors were able to attend the racecourse and enjoy a three-course lunch, all made possible by the Back to the Track grant.

“We are very fortunate on the South Coast to have such a great race club. Under the guidance of the board and CEO, Lynn Locke, the club has made a real effort to be involved with the community and open the club up to more and more groups.

“In May last year, thanks to $520,000 in funding from the NSW Government, they re-opened their upgraded facilities which included a new lift and disabled access measures meaning everyone can now enjoy a day at the Shoalhaven races,” Mrs Hancock said.

Minister for Racing Paul Toole said regional and country racing forms a key part of the social fabric in local communities.

“Through the Back to the Track program, the NSW Government is investing $400,000 in regional thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing so it can build on these key connections at a grassroots level,” Mr Toole said.

“We want country racing to thrive and attract people who may have never been before to help ensure a sustainable future for clubs across the three codes.”

SCTC's Lynn Locke welcomed the investment: “I thank Shelley and the NSW Government for providing this grant that is assisting us to create new and exciting events everyone can enjoy,” Mrs Locke said.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to community and get more people back at the races. Today’s Seniors’ Raceday has been a great hit and we are looking forward to hosting another special race day for the community again soon,” she said.