A new campaign has been launched to encourage women to consider a career in the racing industry in Tasmania.
Minister for Racing, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the social media and television campaign features high-profile women – both current and former – from the local racing industry.
“For some time, racing has led the way in encouraging and enabling females to compete on equal footing with males,” she said.
“Jockey Chelsea Baker, who features in the campaign, is proving that women in racing are leading the field.
“She is just one of the many dedicated women currently completing their jockey apprenticeship in Tasmania and is happy to tell her story to encourage other women to consider a racing industry career.”
Ms Ogilvie said the industry employs 1515 full-time equivalent jobs and generates about $185 million in value-added contributions to the economy.
“It is an exciting industry to get involved in and there are always going to be employment opportunities. And they are lifelong opportunities,” she said.
“About two thirds of the people involved in the industry live and work in regional communities. So it is a good option for people who want to continue living where they grew up.”
Tasracing CEO, Andrew Jenkins, said the racing industry in Tasmania is in a strong place.
“Participant numbers are solid, field sizes are strong and wagering turnover on our racing product is good,” he said.
“We want to make sure that continues. Attracting good people to work in the industry is obviously important for its future.
“We hear a lot today about employers finding it difficult to find workers, and the racing industry is facing similar difficulties.
“In racing, there are jobs available in a variety of positions including track rider, jockey, driver, business manager, trainer or stable hand.
“For example, traineeships are available for trackwork riding. If you show some signs of being an elite athlete on a horse, there are options to become a professional jockey.”
The women featured in the campaign are:
- Bev Buckingham – former jockey
- Chelsea Baker – apprentice jockey
- Bronte Miller – harness racing driver
- Alison Archer – Chairwoman, Tasmanian Turf Club
- Katrina Gregory – greyhound trainer
- Pheobe Wahl – groundsperson
- Isla Ford – pony trots driver
Links to TasRacing ads:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mizgy9bvh6nbjyh/TASRACING_CHELSEA_30S_MASTER.mp4?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rc8401mxebd38n2/TASRACING_CHELSEA_60S_MASTER.mp4?dl=0
