Since our last annual meeting just less than twelve months ago your executive committee has been very active on your behalf. This year has seen the winding up of the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) and as per the new Victorian legislation, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) are required to meet with recognized kindred bodies, of which our Association is one of the five recognized by HRV.

The IAC has been a tremendous vehicle in the past for all areas of the industry to come together and discuss issues, however those attending the last few meetings under that format, believed it was a waste of time, as HRV were not prepared to make any decisions, which the IAC had been very successful at doing in the past.

The two meetings held under the new structure have been constructive but we are still determining whether this new structure of consultation is the right way to go. Consultation is paramount to the industry. It is the only way to benefit all people in the industry in the long term.

Throughout the year we have raised many issues with HRV including Starting procedures, Programming, Track problems, Whips, Trials & Qualifying, Swabbing procedures to name just a few.

What could be said as two of our major achievements this season has been the introduction of a Statewide Sulky Fund and the Increase in Drivers Fees.

One of the major issues we have on the table at the moment is Float Rebates. The increase in fuel prices has hit everyone and with no reduction in sight, the time is right for HRV to look seriously at what can be done to assist all owners, trainers and drivers. We will continue to push for higher stakemoney levels in the country areas to be benefit the majority.

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. The disappointing fact is that some clubs don’t even bother to reply to our offer.

This year commencing Redwood Day we introduced our bonus races, providing those financial members who either drove or trained the winner of a designated race, and extra $100.00 bonus. It was pleasing to see this spread around with both professional and hobby trainers and drivers benefiting.

One again as part of licence renewals we were required to complete an Occupational Health & Safety course. The Association again made copies of the course available and assisted those without Internet access to complete the course.

Updates to members on what the Association is doing will be available via the Harness Racer, a proposed monthly column in the Harness Racing Weekly and via our website at www.victrainersdrivers.org.au

Next year we will again hold regional meetings around the state to listen to and discuss issues which participants believe need addressing.

The year ahead appears to be one which provide many challenges and interesting times are ahead with the continuing saga between TVN and Sky Channel, Betfair obtaining a Tasmanian Licence and of most importance the development of the Melton complex.

My thanks go to Bruce Barron for his continuing service on the Board of Management of the Harness Racing Training Centre Bendigo as well as Clinton Welsh and Graeme Lang for their assistance on deputations throughout the past twelve months. I would also like to thank Steve Warren for his outstanding job as Secretary, the time and effort he has put in to provide the committee with statistical data to effectively analyse areas of concern has been considerable.

Last but by no means least to my hard working committee I again say thankyou for your support, your differences of opinion, positive input and regular attendance. We must be diligent and continue to work hard for the members we represent.

I hope that the 2005/06 season will be a successful one for all participants within the industry and together we see the Harness Racing Industry prosper.

ROBERT (GINGER) GLEESON