Racing for the community

Racing has long been a source of connection and opportunity in Queensland.

Its presence in regional towns and cities alike is felt in the excitement of race days, the gathering of local crowds, and the shared sense of identity. As community expectations evolve, so too will the ways the racing industry gives back.

A series of initiatives will pursue deeper engagement, lasting benefit, and stronger relationships between racing and the communities it serves.

To expand access to therapeutic and equine-assisted programs, options will be explored for a purpose-built facility dedicated to the Riding for the Disabled Association Queensland (RDAQ). The plan involves investigating partnerships with the Equine Therapy Program to align services, share facilities where possible, and maximise participant reach. A centrally-located metropolitan facility will be considered to reduce travel burdens, and co-location with veteran and police equine therapy operations may be trialled. These actions aim to generate efficiencies and also open meaningful secondary opportunities for retired racehorses.

Several racetrack infields represent untapped potential for community use and social benefit. The Racing Queensland Infrastructure Team will assess racetrack infields for possible activation—events, markets, and community gatherings—that respect racing schedules and operations. Through these efforts, clubs will have avenues to generate modest revenue streams and strengthen ties with their surroundings. Activating infields offers both financial sustainability for clubs and shared enjoyment for the wider public.

Mental health will be elevated as an industry priority through an annual “You Are Not Alone” weekend across all race meetings. This initiative will aim to foster awareness, reduce stigma, and raise funds. Proceeds will support the creation of a dedicated RQ mental health resource, accessible to participants in all roles.

Partnerships will be explored to generate mutual benefits. In regional clubs, prisoners may gain work experience by assisting with manual tasks such as track preparation and event setup—a model that has already proven effective in Innisfail. Another potential partnership could involve prisoners caring for and training retired greyhounds, building on successful examples from other regions. These programs provide valuable vocational opportunities, support clubs with practical labour, and promote the welfare of retired racing animals.

There will also be an audit of social media strategies currently employed by regional and rural clubs. The findings will determine how best to roll out packaged social media support to clubs across the state.