The Ballarat Turf Club will stage a series of events involving people from across the region thanks to support from the Andrews Government.

Labor Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, today announced the Government will provide $14,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program to support the Autumn Raceday Series, alongside support from the Ballarat Turf Club and in-kind contributions.

The series included Sunday’s Miners Rest Community Cup Day as well as the Support Your Local Firefighter Raceday on the 24^th of March and the Mother’s Day Raceday on the 12^th of May.

The Support Your Local Firefighter Raceday will be dedicated to the important work local firefighters do for the community, with the Ballarat CFA providing demonstrations throughout the day.

The series will conclude with the Mother’s Day Raceday on Sunday the 12^th of May, featuring local food produce and activities including mini golf, pedal go-karts and a cubby house photo booth to keep the whole family entertained.

Ms Addison said the Andrews Government recognises the social, recreational and financial benefits of the racing industry to Ballarat.

“Events like the Autumn Raceday Series help to bring the community together, while also attracting visitors and delivering a boost to those who working in our racing industry,” she said.

“We are proud to support the Ballarat Turf Club to host entertaining family racedays, create local jobs and bring visitors to the Ballarat region,” Ms Addison said.

Ballarat Turf Club CEO, Lachlan McKenzie, said the funding is helping the racing industry deliver great events fore Ballarat.

“We would like to thank the Victorian Government for its support of our Autumn Raceday Series. We strive to present racing and race day activities to attract new racegoers, whilst also meeting the expectations of regular attendees. The Victorian Government makes this possible through the support from the Raceday Attraction Fund,” Mr McKenzie said.

The racing industry in the Ballarat Region generates $155.9 million for the Victorian economy every year and sustains over 1,300 full-time equivalent jobs.

Since 1 December 2014, the Labor Government has provided $5,568,490 to support 21 thoroughbred events and 10 infrastructure projects for the Ballarat Turf Club.