Celebrating the official opening on Saturday, front, from left, Grant Aitken, daughter Juliet and Jaala Pulford, MP, with retired athletes Mary-Beth and Bill from the Greyhound Adoption Program. Looking on, with the new kennel complex in the background, are, from left, Gerrie Sneyders, Healesville trainer and HGRC committee member Matthew Clark, Michael Bell and Simon Bell with son Sebastian, Federal Member for McEwen Fran Bailey and Jan Wilson.By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE Greyhound Racing Club’s (HGRC) $750,000 kennel complex was officially opened on Saturday by Jaala Pulford MP.
Ms Pulford, representing Racing Minister Rob Hulls on the day, is Member for Western Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations.
The complex, which houses the 96-dog kennel block, administration office and maintenance shed, is part of a program by Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) to bring all greyhound racetracks in Victoria in line with world’s best practice facilities.
Listing some of the design features – single level kennels, air conditioning, acoustic ceilings, epoxy floor coverings, recycled water and steel and plastic construction of the kennel units to reduce rusting and reduce noise, Ms Pulford said the kennel represented state of the art conditions.
GRV chairman Jan Wilson praised the work of building designer Grant Aitken of DWH Aitken and Associates saying the facility would also have benefits for trainers and staff.
Adopting single level kennels throughout the industry, Ms Wilson said was a particularly important initiative towards ensuring better working for those involved in the industry.
Thanking Mr Aitken and the builders Michael Bell and son Simon of M. E. Bell Projects, Ms Wilson said the new facilities, including the recent upgrade of the betting, viewing and cafe area, would serve the club well for many years to come.
HGRC manager Gerrie Sneyders said the club welcomed the support shown by GRV and the government.
“It is good to see the confidence of the board in this club,” he said.
He said it was non-TAB clubs such as Healesville, which gave trainers a chance to get their dogs on the track.
