Augustine makes GRC history

THE Geelong Racing Club has created history by naming the first female life member in its 160-year lifespan.

Much-loved local figure Jade Augustine was welcomed to the club’s honour board by GRC vice-president Warick Brown at a special ceremony at the weekend.

Ms Augustine’s first involvement with the club came when she was just 20.

She helped to create the Colts and Fillies coterie group, which was specifically designed to attract members aged under the age of 25 and educate them about the thoroughbred industry.

This created opportunities for young people to attend races, partake in unique social networking opportunities and bridge the generational gap in the racing membership of the GRC.

Her unique recruitment to this group included positioning herself outside popular venues including Scottish Chiefs and the Geelong Hotel with a clipboard and membership forms, recruiting members with great success.

In 2006, Ms Augustine took on the responsibility of running Girls on Track, a raceday that became very successful in raising funds for local charities.

Her involvement lasted 10 years, with her passion and enthusiasm making it a much-anticipated date on the GRC calendar.

Ms Augustine served on the GRC committee from 2011 to 2016 before relinquishing her position on the committee when she became sales and marketing manager with the club.

GRC chief executive officer Luke Rayner said the club’s first female life member had made a profound impact for more than 20 years.

“Through her passion for the industry and her love for events she has delivered many key strategies such as Colts & Fillies Membership and Girls On Track.

“The Geelong Racing Club is extremely grateful for all the work Jade has put in through this time and we are very proud to have made her a life member.”