The Back to the Track: regional racing grants program is a one-off funding program for thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racecourses and clubs across regional and remote NSW.

This funding program aims to support the growth and sustainability of the NSW racing industry by assisting new and stronger connections with regional communities.

Application Guide

Back to the Track: regional racing grants

Image credit Albury Gold Cup

Office of Responsible Gambling

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As Minister for Racing, l am delighted to launch the NSW Government’s new Back to the Track: regional racing grants program.

Thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing clubs and racecourses are a key part of the social fabric, community infrastructure and local economy of cities and towns across the state.

As a strong supporter of regional racing, our Government recognises the key role the industry plays in creating jobs and tourism as well as bringing communities together.

Under the Back to the Track: regional racing grants program, regional racing clubs can apply for a share in $400,000 for projects that help create stronger links with their local communities.

The grants will help ensure our regional and country racing remains sustainable and vibrant and attracts new participants and grows its audience and connection with community at a time when people have more leisure and entertainment choices than ever before.

Eligible projects include racing events oriented toward new markets, sport and community events held at racecourses and training and education to help people begin a career in the industry.

I encourage racing clubs across regional NSW to think innovatively and come up with creative ideas for projects to better connect with the communities they serve.

Paul Toole Minister for Racing

Message from the Minister for Racing

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Grants are available for projects that support engagement with local communities.

Funding availableUp to $20,000 per project

Key datesApplication open Wednesday, 1 August 2018Grant round closes Monday, 27 August 2018

EligibilityTo be eligible for funding, applications must meet all of the following conditions:

LocationProjects need to be based in rural and regional NSW as defined under ARIA (Accessibility Remoteness Index for Areas).

If you are not sure if your project is based in a rural and regional area under ARIA, please contact us and we can check for you or you can check at this website.

ApplicantsApplications need to be submitted by:• a racing club or racecourse • within the code of thoroughbreds, harness

(pacers/trotters) or greyhounds.

ProjectsEligible projects: • will help your racecourse or club to build

and enhance connections with existing communities and/or connect with new and different communities

• are for one-off events, projects or programs • are supported by the relevant peak racing

organisation • must be completed by December 2019.

Project funding cannot be used for prize money or general operational costs (e.g. maintenance, core staff).

What can I apply for?There are many different types of projects you can apply for. Some examples include:• extension of the racing calendar with a new

event designed to increase attendance or introduce new segments of the community to racing (e.g. youth or women)

• staging of an event or program that showcases an alternative use for the track to support tourism and/or promotion of the racecourse as a venue for the community

• youth or targeted training and education programs to foster local career pathways in racing

• engagement of expertise to develop a marketing plan to improve race-day attendance and/or design initiatives to strengthen the local racing industry.

How to apply• You will need to complete an online

application form • Late submissions will not be accepted as

the process for deciding on who should get funding commences immediately after the closing date for each round.

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Get in touchContact the Office of Responsible Gambling Grants team for assistance:

Phone (02) 9995 0940

Translating and interpreter service 131 450

Relay service 133 677 (TTY) or 0423 677 767 (SMS relay)

Email info@responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au

More information responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au

How funding is decidedApplications will be assessed by subject matter experts against the following three criteria:

NeedThe current challenge or opportunity the project will address.

Engagement How the project will help you to:

• build and enhance connections with existing communities

• make new connections with communities • expand your capacity to develop longer

term relationships with local communities.

ViabilityThe project must:

• have a realistic budget able to deliver the project as envisaged

• include relevant insurance and other liabilities.

Once a decision is madeAfter the assessment process is completed, applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email. Details of successful applicants will be published on the Office of Responsible Gambling website.

Funding obligationsIf you are approved for funding you will be required to:

• sign a letter of agreement • publicise the funding from the NSW

Government on project material• provide a two-page report on the project

outcomes and key learnings within 6 weeks of the project being completed.

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