It was a night to remember for the Canberra Racing Club at the 2023 ClubsACT Clubs and Community Awards.
For the first time in its history, the Club was awarded the prestigious Heart of the Community (Small Club) Award. An award which recognises the outstanding efforts of a Club that has had a significant positive impact on their community by contributing to and improving the social, cultural, financial or environmental wellbeing of the community.
Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce was humbled by the recognition, "We are passionate about being a force for good in the Canberra community so to have been selected from what was a wonderful group of nominees is incredibly special."
"We seek to be a source of pride and opportunity for Canberra and this recognition reflects that the efforts of the Club are acknowledged and appreciated by the community that we serve."
"We really treasure it, and it fuels us to dream bigger initiatives for the years ahead."
Two individual employees of the Club were also honoured with Elizabeth Francis and Ken Lewis securing the Emerging Talent of the Year Award and the Individual Service to Industry Award respectively.
"Liz is our Events and Catering Manager and stands as a shining example of dedication, she strives to learn and grow every day." Pearce said.
"Her hospitality served to our Members and guests on race days as well as throughout our yearly calendar of over 150 non-race day events have endeared her to our community so I was thrilled that she received this well-deserved accolade. The sky is the limit for Liz."
"Like Liz, Kenny is a favourite here at Thoroughbred Park and as our Assistant Facilities Manager rarely seeks the credit for his tireless work around the venue and his willingness to go the extra mile for customers, horses and horse people."
"He's been a part of the Canberra Racing Club team for the past 15 years and knows the place and its people, like the back of his hand."
"Ken would give you the shirt of his back if it meant helping you. We were so excited that Ken was honoured on such a special night for the community, it meant the world to him and everyone at the Club."
"The awards night was a wonderful occasion for our industry and our Club but is only the beginning of our journey and we are excited about the future."
"Our thanks go to ClubsACT, the board, CEO Criag Shannon and Operations Manager Kate Palmer for all they do for our industry and community."
