By David Lewis
LET us not take anything away from those volunteers of the 1990s who worked tirelessly to ensure greyhound racing in Mount Gambier made a relatively smooth transition from Glenburnie to Lake Terrace East in January 1997.
Even today, people coming out for the first time for a day at the dogs can not help but be impressed with the clubrooms and facilities which more or less have stood the test of time.
Back in 2021, South Australian greyhound racing’s controlling body, Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA), deposited what was a sizeable amount of money into an account with a view to upgrading the clubrooms at Tara Raceway.
So far, even though a considerable number of plans have gone backwards and forwards between Adelaide and Mount Gambier, the money still remains safely deposited and the complex remains untouched.
In the top job for just over 12 months, GRSA Chief Executive Officer, Bodelle Francis, flew into Mount Gambier on Tuesday morning to speak with members of the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club (MGGRC) committee in relation to the upgrade.
It is fair to say that the club always knew what it wanted when it came to the refurbishment and it has always remained steadfast in its decision that a clubroom upgrade should be able to be undertaken with the funds at its disposal.
Francis, obviously also keen to wrap up the long-running saga, listened attentively and took notes as club representatives outlined their priorities in relation to the upgrade.
The repositioning of the bar, in order to make it more user and patron friendly, had always been a priority, along with cool room facilities and a service entrance replacing the back entrance doors.
Provision would also need to be made along the western wall of the clubrooms for a ramp which would allow for wheelchair access.
At the other end, an outside stairwell is planned to allow for stewards’ room access and exit while downstairs toilet facilities would require to be revamped.
Remaining at the eastern end is part of the club’s history – a brick wall featuring the names of people who had contributed to the original building fund all those years ago – while the club office requires some form of modernisation.
The trusty old wood fire that has served patrons so well for so many winters will be replaced with reverse cycle air conditioning.
Also, the selection of new floor coverings and tables and chairs was discussed.
In thanking Francis for her attendance, MGGRC president Noel Perry said the club was now hopeful work on the clubroom project would proceed in the near future.
“We certainly appreciate Bodelle coming down today and taking on board our suggestions in regard to the refurbishment,” Perry said.
“We believe what we put forward should fit within the budget and the subsequent upgrade sure to complement our sport as it moves forward.”
While at Tara Raceway on Tuesday, Francis also took time to check out the area for the club’s proposed educational circle track, formerly known as a bullring, whereby young greyhounds can be introduced to chasing the lure prior to stepping out onto the racetrack.
The MGGRC’s proposed educational circle track, on the agenda for a number of years, will be situated adjacent to the club’s dual slipping tracks, the first of which was operational in 2014.
Once installed, the MGGRC’s long-time plan of establishing a racing/training complex at Tara Raceway – where trainers can educate, train and race their greyhounds – will finally become a reality.
The educational circle tracks at both Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge will be designed on the lines of the one operational at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club (pictured).
