GET trackside with family and friends on Saturday 22 October at the Casino Racecourse to celebrate those who have helped us through some of the worst natural disasters on record.
Twelve natural disasters and a pandemic have taken their toll on the Richmond Valley over the past six years, starting with flooding events in March, April and June 2017, February and December 2020, a storm in February 2021, and another flood in March 2021. Drought struck in 2018 and 2019, followed by the Busbys Flat Road and Myall Creek Road bushfires in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and two catastrophic flood events in 2022.
Although times are still tough for many, Richmond Valley Council saw an opportunity to bring the community together to acknowledge those who have – and still are – giving their all, physically and emotionally.
To be known as the Richmond Valley Heroes and Community Race Day, the five-card meeting is a family-friendly event and will coincide with The Cox Plate, one of Australia’s biggest race days.
Gates open at 11 am, with Thor Phillips setting the mood before the first race gets underway around 1.30pm. A dedicated kids’ tent will be set up on the lawn area to keep younger children entertained with face painting and craft activities.
Entry is $10, and a full bar and canteen will be operating. Local bookies will be on course, as well as the TAB van.
Race names are:
Race 1: Thank You BlazeAid
Race 2: Thank You Emergency Services
Race 3: John and Jim Farrell Memorial
Race 4: Richmond Valley Cup
Race 5: Three Cheers for Volunteers
Enjoy a great day of racing, socialising and at the same time, say thank you to a “local hero”.
It could be an early end-of-year gathering, a great opportunity to thank clients, staff and families for their loyalty and support, particularly over these past challenging years.
It’s a great opportunity to celebrate, so start planning today.