Integrity

VICTORIA’S GREYHOUND COMMUNITY

Victorian greyhound racing is an inclusive sport that welcomes people of all ages and genders from diverse backgrounds. More than 14,000 Victorians are directly involved in the sport as trainers, owners, breeders, attendants, catchers, club, race day and GAP staff and volunteers, all across the State. Many of them have a family involvement in the sport, spanning several generations.

Participants

At 30 June 2022, GRV had 6,891 registered Participants which included 2,024 trainers, 4,867 owners and 1,968 breeders also registered as either trainers or owners.

Clubs

Victoria’s two metropolitan clubs and 11 regional greyhound clubs collectively hold race meetings every day of the year except Christmas Day. As well as hosting a diverse feature racing program, including Group and Listed events, each club also has an annual Club Cup meeting and provides training and education sessions for greyhounds.

Clubs are independent, member-based incorporated associations, or companies, and are each administered directly by their own locally elected committees. They manage their own day-to-day business and racing operations as well as community engagement. Stewards, judges, lure drivers and on-track veterinarians officiating at race meetings are directly employed by GRV.

Victoria is also home to six coursing clubs, run by local volunteer committees and overseen by the National Coursing Association of Victoria which works closely with GRV to promote and develop this popular style of grassroots greyhound racing.

Racing Clubs Coursing Clubs

Volunteers

Volunteers play a very important role across the sport, working in their local clubs, providing services and support on race days and helping to care for , foster and re-home greyhounds through GAP. Around 1,400 volunteers regularly take part in Club and Race Day activities and more than 870 volunteers are registered with GAP.

CONSULTATION SUMMARY

Under the Racing Act 1958, GRV is required to both consult with greyhound racing industry participants and to encourage and support consultation within the industry.

GRV’s Industry Consultative Group provides broad-based input into GRV’s planning and gave the industry a clearer insight into GRV’s decision-making process. The group included regional and metropolitan owners, trainers, breeders, greyhound clubs and a greyhound veterinarian.

During 2021-22, GRV consulted with RSPCA Victoria, Animals Australia, Animal Welfare Victoria, the Australian Greyhound, Working and Sporting Dog Veterinarians Association, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Dogs Victoria, the Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association Victoria, Greyhound Clubs Australia, Greyhound Clubs Victoria, Greyhound Safety Net, the Maddie Riewoldt Foundation, Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner, Racing Analytical Services Laboratories, Victoria Police, Victorian Chamber of Commerce, the Victorian Racing Integrity Board, local government bodies and the general participant and wider community.

GRV’s social media resources also play an important part in how GRV engages with participants, communities, and other stakeholders to provide information and encourage consultation on issues including rules and policy changes and codes of practice.