Beyond the Winning Post: Newcastle Racecourse Helps Generate Nearly $800k for the Hunter Community

For many Novocastrians, Newcastle Racecourse is known for thrilling finishes,

memorable race days and top-tier events. What many don’t realise is that behind

many race meetings lies another success story, one measured not in winning

margins, but in lives changed.

Over the past financial year, Newcastle Racecourse has quietly become one of the

Hunter’s largest fundraising platforms, helping generate an extraordinary $790,618 for

local charities and community organisations through race days, fundraising

partnerships and the Racecourse’s own Community Sponsorship Program.

Supporting 14 charities across the region, the Racecourse has helped fund

organisations tackling some of the community’s biggest challenges, including cancer

research, mental health, domestic violence, homelessness, food insecurity,

emergency services and family support. Among the organisations supported were the

Hunter Melanoma and Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Mark Hughes Foundation,

Hunter Food Relief, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Jenny’s Place. Six charities

whose work touches the lives of thousands of people across the Hunter each year.

Importantly, the fundraising effort was made possible not just by Newcastle

Racecourse, but by the thousands of racegoers, sponsors, volunteers, members and

local businesses who attended community race days throughout the year. Newcastle

Racecourse Chief Executive Officer Duane Dowell said the figures reflected something

much bigger than fundraising.

“At Newcastle Racecourse, we believe our role extends far beyond hosting race meetings. Every community race day is an opportunity to

bring people together for something bigger than ourselves. When someone

purchases a ticket, sponsors an event, enjoys a luncheon or simply spends a day at

the races, they’re also helping support local families, fund vital medical research and

strengthen organisations doing incredible work throughout our region.

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