The past year has been a very hectic one for your executive committee. Following discussion at the end of last years AGM the Association had representation to the minister, where issues were discussed related to consultation, stewards experience and training, Appeal Hearers and Advisors, swabbing procedures and their integrity, penalties comparisons and training facilities as well as respect for industry participants.

Throughout the year we have met with HRV regarding Licencing and Insurance, starting procedures for both mobile and stands, trials procedures and more recently Ambulance procedures.

We continue to push for higher stakemoney levels and lower administration costs, with the benefits then flowing 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.

The Industry Advisory Council (I.A.C.) which has been a tremendous vehicle in the past for all facets of the industry to come together and discuss issues, is unfortunately on its last legs with HRV intent on meeting kindred bodies on an individual basis and continuing with road shows as its consultation process. Feedback to the Association is that these roadshows have been to inform people of changes made, not to listen to problems.

Consultation is paramount to the industry. It is the only way to benefit all people in the industry in the long term. With the scrapping of the IAC most likely we will be investigating the reformation of a kindred body group so all kindred bodies can get together on a regular basis to discuss problems affecting all sectors of the industry.

HRV again agreed to the tick box on Licence renewals and the response has been tremendous, highlighting to the board the support we have in the industry. Throughout the year we provided a number of trophies and will be again very active in this area for the coming season, with 13 of either TAB or Restricted clubs being given the opportunity of a trophy on a rotational basis.

As part of Licence renewals this year we were required to complete an Occupational Health & Safety course, with the Association making available copies of the course and Internet access to those who did not have Internet facilities. Although participants initially resented this it was pleasing to see a number people assisting others to ensure this did not hinder anyone from remaining in the industry

Updates to members on what the Association is doing via the Harness Racer will be extended to a monthly column in the Harness Racing Weekly starting in January and via a website. We will again hold regional meetings around the state to listen and discuss issues which participants feel need addressing. Another feature of the New Year will be some Association functions held at venues around the state.

The year ahead appears to be one, which no doubt will see change with HRV’s new consultation process, however ongoing issues will continue to need our focus until existing concerns are sorted out to the benefit of participants. Off course we watch with interest the development of Melton albeit a very slow process.

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 Barron for his continued efforts on the Board of Management of the Bendigo Training Centre. My thanks also to Clinton Welsh, Graeme Lang and Lance Justice for their assistance on deputations throughout the past twelve months and Noel Hayes for sourcing sponsorship with the Petstock group. I would also like to thank Steve Warren for his efforts as Secretary.

I hope that the 2004/2005 season will be a successful one for all participants within the industry and together we see the Harness Racing Industry prosper.

ROBERT (GINGER) GLEESON