Welcome to our CEO’s Question and Answer Column, as we come to what was to originally be the end of the lockdown, and I hope everyone, everywhere is staying safe.
We do now have at least another week of lockdown to come, so let me repeat that the idea behind this column is to keep the lines of communication open between Greyhound Racing NSW and those in our industry, be it participants, staff, clubs, or the general public.
We introduced this column back in 2020 at the start of the pandemic and decided this week that it should return while there are uncertainties around lockdowns and restrictions.
It will operate as it did previously, with participants with questions pertaining to the current COVID-19 situation and the lockdown, to email us at the following address: update@grnsw.com.au
As the case was in 2020, if there are any significant developments or announcements, they will be published in media releases across our GRNSW network as required, but the aim of this column is to answer any specific or generic questions participants may have.
I am very pleased to say that we have not been inundated with questions this time around, as our messaging gets out, and participants clearly know what needs to be done.
We have still received some however, and here are some of those questions our teams at GRNSW have been asked since the lockdown commenced.
1. Q: During lockdown who is allowed to attend a race meeting? Is it restricted to trainers only or are they permitted to take an attendant to catch dogs? Thank you.
A: During lockdown you must stay in your respective locked down zone. In the locked down zone, trainers and handlers/attendants with the appropriate licence, are able to attend race meetings but must adhere to all COVID-19 restrictions and measures, and we urge only those who need to attend should attend a race meeting.
2. Q: Tony there is a lot of talk around, and I understand it’s just talk right now, but what happens if the authorities decide to enforce even tighter lockdown rules on people in certain areas, as they did with the Northern Beaches. Will we be able to come out of that area and still race in Zone 1?
A: Thanks for your email, and I again implore everyone to take all precautions and stay safe. We hear many things during these times, and again I urge everyone to heed the advice given by the NSW Government and NSW Health and as of today, we are now under more stringent lockdown rules. But these are lockdown rules across the already locked down areas, not targeting specific regions. As we have continually done, we will be guided by the NSW Government and NSW Health on what we can and cannot do, but our number one intention is for everyone to be kept safe, and able to continue to earn an income.
3. Q: We still haven’t heard much about what’s happening with the Vic Peters and Peter Mosman. You said was you would make an announcement, but nothing. Are they gone?
A: When the lockdown commenced and coincided with both Group 1 events, we announced that both races would be postponed. We fully intend on scheduling both these important Age Classics, but we firstly need to get through this current COVID-19 situation before making any concrete plans. There is no point at the moment scheduling these events. Should we schedule them, then lockdown restrictions continue, a large number of our participants would be unable to enter the lockdown region and compete. We want the races, but we want them staged when everyone is able to compete.
4. Q: Last year when the virus hit you stopped racing at Non-TAB tracks. I saw that you called off the Coonamble meeting that was supposed to be on Wednesday?
A: There were different circumstances last year. At the moment we do not plan to stop racing at Non-TAB tracks. The Coonamble meeting which was scheduled for last Wednesday, was rescheduled after we added another TAB meeting at Gunnedah this week. The Coonamble club will now host that postponed race meeting on Wednesday, August 4.
5. Q: Hi Tony. What is happening with Greyhound Of The Year? Will it just go back another year?
A: No the intention is not to push it back another year. We decided to revive the awards this year and that won’t change. We are still planning to hold a Greyhound Of The Year function when circumstances permit.
6. Q: I understand that we have to wear face masks indoors at the track, but I read that the virus isn’t spread as much outdoors, so can we stop wearing them outside?
A: No. The wearing of face masks is mandatory indoors and outdoors at our race meetings, and all participants and staff must abide by this rule.
Good luck to all of those participants racing this weekend, and like I mentioned when this column was running last year, these will continue to be difficult times for all, and as an industry, we are all in it together, so I urge you to pick up the phone and call a fellow participant to make sure they are doing ok.
Do not forget if you are struggling with the circumstance at the moment, and you want to talk to someone, please do not hesitate to call and speak with a qualified counsellor at any time by calling 1300 687 327.
Everyone please adhere to all the restrictions and precautions put in place by the NSW Government and NSW Health, and please keep yourselves and your families safe.
