A thank you from the GOTBA Vic President

Today, 1 July 2021, is a landmark day in greyhound racing.  With courage, sacrifice and action, YOU have sent a powerful message that must be heard.

On Saturday 3 July, there will be no greyhound racing in Victoria.  The first time Victorian racing has been halted in this way.  YOU cared enough to say change must come right now and we will wait no longer for it. 

Treat participants fairly – our workplace, our homes, our greyhounds.  Invest in and improve the tracks we have.  Ensure, and commit to, fair pay.  Don’t spin, and especially don’t preference yourselves over participants.

Many said a race day strike could not be done – that small and large, hobby and professional could not work together, for each other, towards common goals.  Wrong.  And they could again if required.  Not least because the need for change, particularly regulator cultural change to have a sport where people feel valued, is just so strong.

We want a better future for you and the wonderful dogs we love. 

We are re-engaging with Greyhound Racing Victoria on actions that urgently need to be taken by it. 

We sincerely hope this will be a new beginning for GRV, embarrassed though it may be, and that from now on it approaches consultation and participant need with humility and action.  The arrogance seen in particular in the last fortnight, and that all participants have lived with for far longer, should dissolve.

You will hear more on progress on participant fairness, tracks and fair pay in the next little while.

To all Victorian participants, and our members especially (including the huge number of new ones), thank you. 

To my volunteer committee, on whom much strain has been placed, I am proud of your efforts.  But we are not yet done.

Lynton Hogan
President, GOTBA Vic