Another season has past and as I look back over this period there has been many issues confronting your executive.  As always and of continued concern to participants is stakemoney levels.

This year we saw the running of the first million dollar Interdominion at Moonee Valley and although it was a great carnival, the question does arise whether the industry benefits from such a large stakemoney race when basic stakes is well below an acceptable level. It has been Association policy for some time that we must get the stakes up at the lower end of the market to benefit the majority of participants, not the top end which only benefits a minor few.

Throughout the year we have dealt with many issues such as programming, junior concessions, numbers, TC0’2, Advancement Trials, as well as the effects GST will have on the industry

The Industry racing summit was an interesting exercise held in May from which the board will develop a Strategic Five Year Plan. It was well attended with the Minister Rob Hulls involved. Many varying opinions were thrown up and I am sure there will be changes proposed in the not to distant future.

The next twelve months could be an interesting one with a new board feeling its way. Hopefully this board will not go the way of boards in the past changing things for change sake. The outgoing board was very strong on consultation and use of the IAC, which I believe to be one of the most beneficial vehicles introduced into harness racing. It allows all the chance to discuss issues of concern for the industry and provides a wide range of input and views on topics. Consultation is the only way to benefit all people in the industry in the long term I sincerely hope the Board uses the I.A.C. properly and takes note of the delegate’s comments

We can not be complacent, so to my hard working committee thanks for all your support, your differences of opinion, positive input and regular attendance. There is still much work to be done.

My thanks to Steve Warren in the role of secretary, Bruce Barron for his continued efforts on the Board of Management of the Bendigo Training Centre.

I wish that the 2000/01 season will be a successful one for all participants and many winners come your way.

R. J. (GINGER) GLEESON