The past year has been a very busy one for the Association, sorting out numerous problems. On the racing side we continue to push for higher stakemoney levels and lower administration costs, the benefits then flow through to all parts of the industry. We have been constantly addressing issues such as whip rules and the level of fines as well as fixing numerous racing issues.

Throughout the year we have met with HRV regarding Licencing and Insurance to minimise the cost to all trainers and drivers, to keep people in the industry as each year we see a decline in numbers, whilst race meetings increase to generate income to the industry. We also met with HRV regarding field selection points, field selection, starting procedures for both mobile and stands, trials procedures, twilight racing and designed a rotational metropolitan programming guide to progress horses through their classes to FFA class.

The Industry Advisory Council (I.A.C.) has been a tremendous vehicle in the past for all facets of the industry to come together and discuss issues with the board and from which many decisions have been made. Over the past couple of years the strategic planning group has been utilised to recommend changes with these then past on to the industry through information sessions on the HRV roadshow. Feedback to the Association is that these roadshows have been to inform people of changes made, not to listen to problems.

Consultation is the only way to go to benefit all people in the industry in the long term, and it appears the Board has realised that it has lost its way in this area, and since our push for the reformation of a kindred body association to meet and discuss issues before meeting the board at I.A.C., we have seen some minor changes in I.A.C. I sincerely hope the Board does use the I.A.C. properly and takes note of the delegate’s comments.

A number of years ago when direct crediting of bank accounts was introduced the Association made the decision not to collect membership fees due to many members not carrying the cash they had in the past. The previous board saw this as the Association weakening and was shown our support when nearly 900 turned up to Moonee Valley when called over downgrading of licences.

Although not paying a subscription for membership, the committee still worked hard for trainers and drivers. Finally HRV has agreed to the tick box on licences and the response has been tremendous, highlighting to the board the support we have in the industry.

It is our intention to once again provide a number of trophies or rugs throughout the year and provide updates to members on what the association is doing, via mail, the Harness Racer and in the new year development of our own website.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Richard King for his dedication to harness racing over the past 16 years. Richard has always had his heart in harness racing and his resignation I am sure is in part due to the difficulty he had working with the Board. I know everyone will wish him the best in his future endeavours, and I am sure he will still be seen around the tracks, maybe once again as an owner.

The year ahead appears to be one, which no doubt will see change with a new chief executive and with issues such as the Showgrounds and Melton not dead and buried. 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.

With out trying to single anyone out my thanks to Bruce Baron for his continued efforts on the Board of Management of the Bendigo Training Centre and his work as secretary, Clinton Welsh, Graeme Lang and Lance Justice for their assistance with deputations throughout the past twelve months.

I hope that the 2004 season will be a successful one for all participants within the industry and together we see the Harness Racing Industry prosper.

ROBERT (GINGER) GLEESON