Greyhound Stalwart Lil Dickie Honoured At Ballarat Cup
A stalwart of Ballarat's greyhound industry has been officially recognised on the night of the 2012 Petstock Ballarat Greyhound Cup.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine congratulated former Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club committee member and volunteer Mrs Lil Dickie for her contribution to the greyhound racing industry over the past four decades.
Dr Napthine presented Mrs Dickie with a plaque prior to the running of the Ballarat Cup and spoke of her long and proud involvement in the Club and in greyhound racing.
“Mrs Dickie has made a marvellous contribution to this fantastic sport and this club over four decades. It is fitting that we acknowledge her contribution at one of Victoria's premier greyhound events, the Ballarat Cup,” Dr Napthine said.
“Mrs Dickie is an institution in Victoria's greyhound racing industry and has been a valued member of the Ballarat Greyhound Club Committee for over 34 years.
“At 86 years old, Mrs Dickie only retired from the committee this year but still attends race meetings on a regular basis.”
Manager of Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club Ken Bennett said Mrs Dickie was known far and wide by members of the greyhound industry.
“Mrs Dickie has truly made a mark on the industry throughout Victoria,” Mr Bennett said.
Dr Napthine also congratulated the Club, its committee and volunteers for another successful staging of the Ballarat Cup – the very first on the recently redeveloped Morshead Park track.
“With the fantastic $3.2 million upgrade of the track and patron facilities the Club has got a truly sensational venue for patrons to go and experience the exciting sport of greyhound racing,” Dr Napthine said.
The Victorian Coalition Government provided $1.35 million for the major redevelopment.