Racing Victoria (RV), in partnership with Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and Seymour Racing Club on Friday raised vital funds for bushfire recovery across Victoria.
Seymour Racing Club hosted a special bet365 race meeting to support communities and CFAs affected by the January 7 Longwood fire.
One life was lost and property damage is still being assessed.
Chief Executive of Racing Victoria Aaron Morrison said: “We are looking to raise $150-$200K today. The funds will be shared between the CFA & Brigades Donations Fund, Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund and the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation.”
“Over the 24-to-48-hour period where the bushfires were most intense, we evacuated something like 600 horses. The stories of people, competitors sending trucks to various people’s farms to pick up and take their horses to safety are amazing.
“All those people deserve an amazing amount of thanks because they put themselves in harm’s way. Today is about thanking them, too,” Mr Morrison said.
Journalist and broadcaster Clint Stanaway emceed the event complete with free entry and finger food served.
In between races, Longwood CFA volunteer Neil Tubb, horse trainers Will and JD Hayes, Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund advisory committee member Laura Jeffery and Michael Christian whose horses were evacuated by the thoroughbred community shared their stories.
Mr Morrison added: “All the races were sponsored by fantastic people.” These included State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, and Go Seymour sponsoring the final race nine.
CFA Chief Executive Greg Leach said he was grateful. “This money goes into our trust account to be distributed between CFA members who were impacted. It does not go into the CFA operational fund. It goes to the brigades to support the good work they do.”
Seymour CFA First Lieutenant Peter Comte said: “We are replacing a truck under the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program grants. It’s a slow process. (almost two years). It comes as a unit but we will need additional equipment [breathing apparatus] costing $35K (or more). It’s $6K per radio.”
Community Safety Co-ordinator Kim Coster said the figure could go up with inflation.
The afternoon concluded about 4pm following the closure of silent auction bids and the door prize winners announcement.
