The Terang and District Racing Club will host a free bushfire relief event for all CFA and SES volunteers, their families and the 60 families affected by the fires. This includes free transport, entry and free food and drink on the day. 

President Wayne Johnstone encouraged everyone to attend with the state government, Country Racing Victoria and Racing Victoria to match the admission price with a donation to the SES and CFA. 

Mr Johnstone said this year’s cup meeting was focused on bringing community members, emergency services and visiting volunteers together. It also provided a social outlet for residents after the devastating fires. “It is a great initiative that has been supported by the government and the racing industry,” he said. “Racing has for generations been the social fabric of small rural communities and for us to be able to play a part in the day is terrific.”

Mr Johnstone said the club was working to relocate Blazeaid volunteers who have been based at the racecourse since the week of the fires ahead of this weekend's meeting.  

The day includes Fashions on the Field and a day of great racing including two heats of the Neville Wilson Series to be run with the final to be held at the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.

Also included on the day is free transport, free childrens entertainment including sport and art and craft activities and live music by Cooper Lower.

Counsellors will be on course and free return bus travel is available for volunteers and fire affected families from Warrnambool, Allansford, Panmure, Garvoc, Cobden, Camperdown and Noorat.

The event has been made possible by the Victorian Government, Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and the Terang and District Racing Club. 

Gates open at 11am.

For more information contact the club on 0400 557 625.