The Andrews Government is helping celebrate one of the world’s most prestigious greyhound racing events during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Labor Government is providing more than $25,000 to support the event on Friday 23 November at Sandown Racecourse, as part of a joint funding package worth $284,000.
Star Aussie band The Choirboys will headline the musical entertainment on the night of the Cup.
Former Collingwood AFL player and 3AW commentator Michael Christian will MC the proceedings.
Children will enjoy a range of activities and entertainment including face painting, a jumping castle, a slushy machine and roving circus performers.
The Community Superhero Awards will be held on the night, recognising those who have made a significant contribution to their community. Volunteers from community groups will be in the running to win a getaway to the Whitsundays worth $2500, as well as $2500 to support their respective causes.
A light show complete with silent fireworks will introduce the Melbourne Cup race. Heats for the cup will run on Friday 16 November.
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club is contributing almost $147,000 towards the Melbourne Cup Carnival, while Greyhound Racing Victoria is contributing $112,000.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed almost $900,000 to support 28 greyhound racing events and two infrastructure projects at Sandown Park.
The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion for the Victorian economy every year and helps sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said: “The Government is investing in Victoria’s greyhound industry, because it boosts the economy and provides local jobs.”
Sandown Greyhound Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Greg Miller said the Melbourne Cup Carnival was Australia’s greatest greyhound “race night of the year.”
“We’d like to thank the Victorian Government for its ongoing support for this key date in our calendar,” he said.
“We encourage families from across Melbourne and surrounds to come down to Sandown Park for a fantastic night of entertainment and quality greyhound racing.”
