3 minute read
A shared management team will oversee operations at the Oakbank Racing Club and Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club.
In a groundbreaking, efficiency-creating first for Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA), a shared management team will oversee operations at the Oakbank Racing Club and Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club.
The joint move by Gawler and Oakbank to deliver SA racing's first shared services model has been welcomed by TRSA's Board and Management.
"We believe it delivers a more efficient management outcome for the clubs and at the same time allows each club to maintain its own identity, with separate boards and committees retained," said TRSA's CEO Nick Redin.
"We're looking forward to working with the shared services management team across both clubs."
Respected administrator Shane Collins will direct the management team servicing both clubs, effective from 1 September 2020.
The new management arrangement, including Mr Collins' appointment, has been strongly endorsed by the Oakbank Racing Club.
"We are excited to welcome Shane Collins and the shared services management team," said club chair Arabella Branson.
"Shane's knowledge of racing operations will be invaluable, as we host three additional race days on top of our traditional Oakbank Week carnival this season.
"We thank the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club committee for sharing Shane's expertise with us and also thank Thoroughbred Racing SA for their support in making this collaboration happen.
"We are working with Shane to deliver the first race day of our 2020-21 season on Sunday, September 13.
"We look forward to hosting everyone and enjoying a great day trackside."
The shared-management move has been described as a "win-win for both parties" by Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club chair John Hatch.
"It fits very well within our business model," Mr Hatch said.
"This agreement will see both clubs get a financial and resource benefit, which is a great result for all concerned.
"Importantly, both clubs get to keep their own identities – we're just sharing administration services.
"It was a unanimous committee decision to go down this path, and we're certain it will benefit both racing clubs involved, plus the racing community in general."
Mr Hatch was full of praise for Mr Collins, who resides in the Adelaide Hills region.
"Shane's certainly got the expertise and the skills, plus he's a local up there, so knows the area and how it works," Mr Hatch said.
"It fits well with the whole plan."
