Home » Council’s role in harness training

Council’s role in harness training

After a year of working closely with Melton Shire Council located on both the city fringe, the Bendigo Harness Racing Training Centre is about to open a branch. Economic Development Manager, Chris Guthrie, said the centre was now looking for 10 to 15 trainees to work in the harness racing industry. A similar intake is expected each year.

The course is focused on harness racing and is targeted at people wanting to become trainers or strappers. Chris Guthrie said the centre would provide a major employment boost for the region, particularly for young people.

“They will have the opportunity to work in an exciting industry and learn from trainers and drivers,” he said. “The project is a key part of Council’s economic development objective to further develop the equine industry in the district. The Shire has worked with Bendigo Harness Racing Training Centre, Victoria University, the Local Learning and Employment Network, to help deliver the project.”

Bendigo Harness Racing Chief Executive, John Randles, said it had been a positive experience to work with both Councillors Richard Gough and Chris Papas and officers to develop the proposal.

“We are pleased that we have been able band together with the local community to help realise this wonderful initiative,” he said.

For more information about the course contact John Randles on (03) 5449 3590.

Digital Editions


  • Baw Baw acting CEO tenure extended

    Baw Baw acting CEO tenure extended

    Baw Baw Shire Council has extended the contract of Acting Chief Executive Officer Sally Jones until 30 June 2026. The matter was considered as a…

More News

  • Jack Iori honored by the Hills.

    Jack Iori honored by the Hills.

    The Hills Shire Council has officially named the grandstand at Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre the Jack Iori Grandstand, recognising the enormous impact Jack Iori OAM has had on rugby…

  • Farmers urged to register for rural aid

    Farmers urged to register for rural aid

    Farmers across Australia – particularly those in disaster-impacted regions – have been strongly encouraged to register with Rural Aid now, as ongoing natural disasters and worsening weather conditions continue to…

  • Coonabarabran VIC punches above it’s weight

    Coonabarabran VIC punches above it’s weight

    Warrumbungle Shire Council has welcomed new data confirming the Coonabarabran Visitor Information Centre as one of the top three performing Visitor Information Centres in New South Wales. Official figures released…

  • Storm-proofing Seymour River Bridge is long overdue

    Storm-proofing Seymour River Bridge is long overdue

    If I had a dollar for every time I saw the question, “Is the Seymour River Bridge open?” on social media, the upgrade to that stretch of road might already…

  • Newcastle Lord Mayor resigns

    Newcastle Lord Mayor resigns

    Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Ross Kerridge resigned from his role as Lord Mayor of Newcastle in early February. The Lord Mayor wrote to City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath to…

  • Unwavering support and thanks in Bondi aftermath

    Unwavering support and thanks in Bondi aftermath

    Councils across NSW are being encouraged to continue to provide direct support for the Waverley community in the wake of December’s devastating terrorist attack at Bondi while Waverley has paid…

  • Redlands Koala population stable

    Redlands Koala population stable

    Redland City Council has become the first local government in south-east Queensland – and within the koala’s federally-listed northern endangered range – to report stabilisation of its city-wide koala population.…

  • Looking for “Red Fleet” Solutions

    Looking for “Red Fleet” Solutions

    The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has met with NSW Emergency Services Minister the Hon Jihad Dib MP about the Red Fleet issue, which refers to local Councils currently…

  • Three small changes making big differences in grand programs

    Three small changes making big differences in grand programs

    Local government grant programs are designed to create community impact. Yet for many councils, the effectiveness of those programs is shaped less by intent and more by the processes that…

  • Alice skating program a success

    Alice skating program a success

    Free ice skating, packed programs and smiling faces have marked the end of a hugely successful school holiday program delivered through a partnership between Alice Springs Town Council, the Northern…