Community spirit shines at Great Chase series

THE return of Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Great Chase Community Day series to Bendigo has delivered a windfall to three local disability organisations, including major beneficiary The Support People.

Since its inception in 2003, the Great Chase has become a flagship event, blending thrilling racing action with a powerful community focus.

At the heart of the series is the inclusion of local disability organisations.

Groups are invited to attend a day at the greyhound races, where they enjoy a complimentary lunch and are tasked with drawing a ball in which the number corresponds with the greyhounds to cheer for in each of the points races.

The groups that draw most successfully over the four allotted races win valuable prize money and the winning group takes away funds that will help support vital programs or internal initiatives.

Organised in partnership with Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV), the Great Chase is more than a sporting event; it’s a meaningful opportunity for connection and support. In Bendigo alone, community days have donated thousands of dollars to local disability groups over the years.

Statewide, the initiative has delivered more than $800,000 to various organisations across Victoria.

GRV’s regional promotions lead Brad Williams highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“The Great Chase community day series gives these groups the opportunity to come together, connect, and feel truly included,” he said.

“The excitement in the room and the elation these people get from their winning greyhound must be seen to be believed.”

Following the Bendigo event, Great Chase community days have also run or are scheduled at Shepparton, Sandown, Sale, Warragul, Ballarat, Warrnambool, and The Meadows, where they continue to support and celebrate Victoria’s disability communities.

In Bendigo, registered NDIS provider The Support People took out the top prize of $2000.

Scope Weeroona Avenue – a previous top prize winner – claimed the second prize of $1000, with RDA Bendigo finishing with $500.

Participating groups also in attendance on the day were Scope De Gille St, Scope Fenton Street, SCOPE Golden North, Scope Maxwell Crescent, ICON (SCOPE), ECU Bendigo Health, Bendigo Neighbourhood House and Infinity Support Services.

Established in 2018 under another name, The Support People focussed on providing community access, life skills development and personal care.

More recently, the organisation has expanded to provide NDIS support coordination and ‘round the clock’ support for persons choosing to live in their own homes.

Assistant to the general manager at The Support People, Amy Dally said seven clients and two support workers enjoyed a fabulous day socialising with other groups, while enjoying the action on the track.

She said the $2000 would go towards the service’s Christmas party.

“We have 93 people, just in client services, and about 150 in support coordination,” Ms Dally said.

“It was great day for the clients – they were very happy.

“It wasn’t our first time in it.

“We did have a larger group at the races a few years ago and we had a win, so it’s our second time winning.

“We are very appreciative of the chance to be involved.”