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Latrobe Spring Celebration – The Power of Racing launched

Latrobe City has launched an exciting program of events for the ‘Latrobe Spring Celebration – The Power of Racing’.

By Latrobe Shire Council - 4th October 2004 - Back to News

Twenty-four significant events make up the program, ranging from Australian titles such as the Australian Hill Climb Championships and the Herald Sun Tour Final Stage Finish, through to welcoming national identity - gold medalist, Cathy Freeman, to the Indigenous Games at the Joe Carmody Athletics Track.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Darrell White, said the action-packed program will take place from Sunday 10 October until Sunday 5 December.

"This year’s Latrobe Spring Celebration – The Power of Racing, is being held in partnership with Gippsland Racing and Greyhound Racing Victoria, and will offer residents and visitors a very exciting mix of entertainment," Cr White said.

"We have seen the celebration grow from strength to strength, from ten events in 2002 and 2003 to the twenty-four attractions being offered this season. This year’s program is expected to attract approximately 30,000 attendees over the ten weeks, and the estimated economic outcome from the resulting spending in the region is expected to top $10 million.

"A range of incentives have been provided to encourage people not only to come to Latrobe City, but also to stay over and see more of what Latrobe and its surrounds have to offer during the celebration," Cr White said.

Events Latrobe Manager, Janiene Ayre, said the sporting events included greyhound racing at Glenview Park, thoroughbred racing at Moe and Traralgon, and a sporting athletics expo at the Moe Newborough Sports Centre and Joe Carmody Athletics Track,

"The program also includes a motorbike tribute to Barry Sheene at Kernot Hall, open water swimming at Hazelwood Pondage, a hill climbing championship at Gippsland Park, cycling with Bike Ed programs, the Herald Sun Tour Final Stage Finish with the Latrobe City Team, a raw power lifting championship at the Fun Fitness Centre and go-kart racing at Tramway Park raceway," Janiene explained.

"If you are a shopper who loves bargains, there are two shopping extravaganzas, with the Morwell Down Town Sale and the famous Moe Cup Three Hour Sale. If you love art make sure you visit the Equine Art Exhibition at the Latrobe Regional Gallery in Morwell, and the Tyers Arts Festival is a must," Janiene said.

"To complement the sporting events the program includes free music concerts from Orchestra Victoria at Morwell and Moe, a rose exhibition at Glengarry; and you must visit the Traralgon Agricultural Show – their fireworks are a must to see. The Newborough Community Fair is fun for all the family, and bargains are to be enjoyed at the Gemstones, Jewellery and Collectable Expo at Kernot Hall.

"On Sunday 24 October, Traralgon comes alive with the presence of the Herald Sun Tour Final Stage Finish with the 2004 Athens Olympic Gold medallist Luke Roberts leading the Latrobe City Team.

"The Dual Code Building Industry Race Day on Sunday 14 November will be a special treat, with horses and doggies competing at the same venue on the same day – giving all in attendance great value for money. This will be followed by the Crystal Poultry Traralgon Greyhound Cup on Sunday 14 November with a twilight meeting," Janiene added.

John Wilkins from the Traralgon Greyhound Club said that Traralgon Greyhounds have enjoyed exceptional growth through the partnerships created with the Latrobe Spring Celebration - The Power of Racing events, the Latrobe City Council and Gippsland Racing.

"The partnership is strong and is built on a solid foundation of trust, respect and hard working principles. Incorporating Greyhound Racing into the Power of Racing program has given greyhound racing greater exposure and presence," Mr Wilkins said.

Brendan Blackshaw of Gippsland Racing said that Gippsland Racing Southern Cluster was again delighted to be working with Latrobe City Council on the Power of Racing celebration. "It is very pleasing to see the community and associated businesses embracing the opportunities available through the Latrobe Spring Celebration - The Power of Racing," Mr Blackshaw said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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