Stawell Harness Racing Club has won the prestigious Best Club Community Engagement Award at the Community Clubs Victoria’s 2022 Gala Awards.
The club was presented the winner’s trophy at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 6 at the CCV Awards Night, a prestigious industry event that represents 1000-plus licensed clubs across Victoria.
The award acknowledged the club's hosting of a free '80s concert to the community as a post lockdown celebration.
Club chairman Geoff Sanderson said the planning for the Community Concert was conceived by the board to help lift the community spirits.
“Board member Nigel Keating was able to reach out through his contact in the music industry and put together the back to the '80s themed concert on Saturday March 19,” Mr Sanderson said.
“The board felt after going through the lockdowns, the concert was to be free entry to the event and the local community embraced this and the open-air concert was a huge success. Several local sports groups were asked to help run the bars and parking on the night and the club donated money back to these clubs for helping on the night.
“The '80s theme really hit the spot for a wide ranges of age groups and it was pleasing to see so many people attend the night and have fun after two years of not being able to get out.
“I must congratulate the board for taking the decision to put on this concert for the community and especially board member Nigel Keating and CEO Lisa McIlvride for the hours of work they put in to making the night the success it was.
“The board is currently working on developing another of these concerts in the future with our Queen Tribute Concerts sold out already. We would like to thank the people of Stawell for supporting this event and making it the success it was.”
CCV Chief Executive Andrew Lloyd said the awards provided a platform for clubs to receive the recognition they deserve.
“We are so pleased that so many of our clubs are successfully adapting to meet a very challenging operational environment after the pandemic,” said Mr Lloyd.
“It’s been an honour to provide our clubs with a well-deserved moment of recognition as they continue to contribute to Australia’s thriving business community.
“As economic recovery takes place, we look forward to seeing our hardworking clubs celebrate their substantial contribution to their communities, and to look ahead to the future."
CCV consists of more than 1000 community clubs across Victoria, 30,000 employees, 2.3 million members and a $1 billion social contribution to the state economy, consisting of community donations and subsidised access to facilities and volunteering.
To see the full list of winners and learn more about each head to ccv.net.au