THE Stony Creek Racing Club welcomed 200 publicans, their staff and customers, to the annual Publicans Race Day last week.
The day was supported by 11 local pubs including Bairs Hotel Leongatha, Fish Creek Hotel, Foster Exchange Hotel, Korumburra Middle Hotel, The Invy Espy Hotel, Meeniyan Hotel, Mirboo North Hotel, San Remo Hotel, Toora Standard Hotel, Welshpool Hotel and Wonthaggi Hotel.
A feature of the day was the Publicans Lunch highlighted by a friendly punters’ competition, where pubs battled it out to raise money for local charities and community groups.
This year $5000 was raised through some very astute betting by all parties.
The Foster Exchange Hotel had the largest tally sheet and was declared winners of the competition, taking home a perpetual trophy and bragging rights.
The Foster Exchange Hotel was also entrusted with selecting the charities that the funds are donated to, and the following organisations were chosen, with $5000 to be distributed between the two:
- Change for Sam: Personal Alert Alarms Project. The Change for Sam initiative was formed by a group of community members and family violence service providers in the wake of the tragic death of local Phillip Island resident Samantha (Sam) Fraser. Monies raised go towards the Personal Alert Alarms project, providing free 24/7 monitored personal alarms to family violence victims and families. In partnership with the Salvation Army across the region, these alarms will be distributed to their clients. Change for Sam truly believes, if Sam had owned one of these alarms that things would have been different and so this project has been driven by the community, with the aim of preventing such deaths in the future.
- South Gippsland Community Health Foundation: Local projects benefiting the community. The South Gippsland Community Health Foundation exists to ensure sure that funds donated to the South Gippsland communities, stay in our communities, for use on projects that advance the health and wellbeing of local people. Monies raised go towards local projects to benefit local people in the region.
Stony Creek Cup coming up
Stony Creek’s final meeting for the season is the Ladbrokes’ Stony Creek Cup held on Sunday, March 10 - the Labour Day long weekend.
The first race is scheduled for 1.05pm, with an 8-race card featuring the $85,000 Ladbrokes Cup. The race is expected to attract some of the state’s best Country Cup performers.
Chief Executive Officer, Adam Olszanski was delighted with the success of the publicans’ day and is also looking forward now to the cup in less than a month’s time.
“This year we have had unprecedented interest in the range of packages we have on offer, however there are still options available and the numerous bus services make coming to the track an easy way to enjoy a great day out in one of the best locations South Gippsland has to offer,” Mr Olszanski said.
Gates open at 11.30am for an afternoon that caters for the whole family, with a range of kid’s entertainment including Funky Farm wildlife shows, Airy Fairy Face painting, pony rides and a range of roving entertainers. Another highlight is the Influence Clothing Fashions on the Field competition and there will be range of cuisines available from the array of food trucks on site. In between races the lawn will be the place to be, with live music by Hurricane Duo.
Tickets: General Admission $20, kids under 17 are free. All available at www.stonycreek.com.au or at the gate. For more information contact 03 5664 0099 or enquiries@scrc.com.au
Stony Creek – The home of thoroughbred racing in beautiful South Gippsland.
